'^^^  '>S^' 


LIBRARY 


l*RI]V€ETO]¥,  ]¥.  J. 


Letter 


No. 


UO.\A'I'10\    01' 

8  A  M  Ij  K  I.    A  a  N  K  W  , 

O     <^  ^  "!•     HH  It.  i  UKLHK  1  A.    PA. 


_.  260  .C677  1832 
Cotterill,  Thomas,  1779 

1823. 
Family  prayers 


J 


FAMILY    PRAYERN, 

COMPOSED   PRINCIPALLY 

IN  EXPRESSIONS  TAKEN  FROM 

THE    HOLY     SCRIPTURES, 

AND  FROM  THE 

ESTABLISHED  SERVICES 

OF  THE 

CHURCH  OF  ENGLAND. 


THE  REV.  THOMAS  COTTERILL,  A.  M. 

Perpetual  Curate  of  Lane-End,  Staffordshire ;  and  late  Fellow  of 
St.  John's  College,  Cambridge.      ... 


THIRD   AMEIt 


ifCAN  EDITION. 


h-^-^^LOQiQ 


•X.  r^^-J 

NEW-YORK: 

rUBMSHED  BY  SWORDS,  STANFORT*,,  AND  CO. 

No.  152  Broadway. 
1832. 


NEW-YORK : 

PRINTED  BY  EDWARD  J.  SWORDS, 

No.  8  Thames-Street. 


CONTEl^T8. 


Page 

First  Week 5 

Second  Week          .......  49 

Third  Week 93 

FourUi  Week 137 

FOR  PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS. 

For  Christmas-Day 183 

The  Close  of  a  Year           -        -        -        -       .-  19U 

A  New  Year 193 

Good  Friday 197 

Easter- Sunday  -        - 205 

Easter-Day -        -  208 

Ascension-Day,  or  the  Sunday  after  -        -        -  211 

Whit-Sunday 218 

Trinity-Sunday 224 

A  Sacrament  Sunday 231 

A  Fast-Day 238 

A  Thanksgiving-Day  for  a  National  Victory       -  244 

A  Thanksgiving-Day  for  Peace          -        -        -  248 

Family  Affliction 25i 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 


FZnSS    WBS«. 


Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed 
be  thy  name  ;  thy  kingdom  come  ;  thy  will 
be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven ;  give 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread ;  and  forgive  us 
our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who 
trespass  against  us ;  and  lead  us  not  into 
temptation ;  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  for 
thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and 
the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen* 

The  peace  of  God  which  passeth  all 
understanding,  keep  our  hearts  and  minds 
m  the  knowledge  and  love  of  God,  and  of 
his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord ;  and  the 
blessing  of  God  Almighty,  the  Father,  the 
Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  amongst  us, 
and  remain  with  us  always.     Amen* 


FAMILY   PRAYKRS 


FIRST  WEEK. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 

O  THOU  Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  who  hast  set  apart 
this  day  for  thyself,  and  hast  commanded  us  to  keep 
it  holy  to  thy  name,  look  down  upon  a  family  of 
sinful  creatures,  who  are  assembled  together  to 
acknowledge  thy  goodness  in  bringing  us  to  see  it. 

We  adore  thee  for  thy  patience  and  forbear- 
ance in  not  deahng  with  us  according  to  our 
deserts,  nor  rewarding  us  according  to  our  ini- 
quities. And  we  beseech  thee  to  pour  down 
upon  us  the  abundance  of  thy  grace,  that  we 
may  rest  this  day  according  to  thy  commandment. 
Let  not  thy  Sabbath  be  a  weariness  to  us,  but 
our  delight.  Let  us  honour  thee,  by  not  doing 
our  own  ways,  nor  finding  our  own  pleasure,  nor 
speaking  our  own  words. 

Bless  us,  O  Lord,  with  all  spiritual  blessings 
in  Christ  Jesus :  bless  us,  we  pray  thee,  in  turning 
away  every  one  of  us  from  our  iniquities.  AVash 
us  in  the  fountain  of  that  blood  which  cleanseth 
from  all  sin.  Clotlie  us  with  the  robe  of  that 
righteousness,  which  is,  by  faith  of  Jesus  Christ, 
unto  all  and  upon  all  them  that  believe. 

Prepare  us  for  the  various  duties  tvhich  arc 
now  before -us. 


8  FIRST   WEEK. 

Sanctify  unto  us  thy  appointed  means  of  grace. 
Send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth:  let  them  lead 
us ;  let  them  bring  us  to  thy  holy  hill,  and  to  thy 
tabernacle.  May  we  go  with  the  multitude  to  thy 
house  of  prayer,  with  the  voice  of  joy  and  praise, 
with  the  multitude  that  keep  holy-day.  There 
may  we  give  thee  the  glory  which  is  due  unto  thy 
name,  and  worship  thee  in  the  beauty  of  holiness. 
May  we  see  thy  power  and  tliy  glory,  so  as  thy 
servants  see  them  in  the  sanctuary ;  and  be  satis- 
fied with  the  goodness  of  thy  house,  even  of  thy 
holy  temple. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that  the  Scriptures,  which 
thou  hast  caused  to  be  written  for  our  learning, 
may  be  applied  to  our  hearts  in  the  demonstration 
of  the  Spirit,  and  of  power.  May  we  in  such 
wise  hear  them,  read,  mark,  learn,  and  inwardly 
digest  them,  that  we  may  embrace,  and  ever  hold 
fast,  the  blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life,  through 
a  crucified  Redeemer. 

Hear  our  prayers,  O  God,  for  all  Christian 
ministers ;  [especially  for  1dm  whom  thou  hast 
appointed  over  us;]  and  endue  them  with  the 
grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Give  unto  them  the 
spirit  of  love,  and  of  power,  and  of  a  sound  mind. 
Make  them  able  ministers  of  the  New  Testament, 
faithful  stewards  of  thy  mysteries.  Help  them 
to  take  heed  to  themselves  and  to  the  doctrine ; 
that  so,  according  to  thy  promise,  they  may  both 
save  themselves  and  those  who  hear  them. 

We  beseech  thee  to  inspire  continually  the 
Universal  Church  with  the  spirit  of  truth,  unity, 
and  concord;  and  grant  that  all  they  who  do 
confess  thy  name,  may  agree  in  the  truth  of  thy 
holy   word,  and  live   in  unity  and  godly   love. 


SUNDAY  MORNING.  1/ 

May  numbers  be  added  to  it,  every  Sabbath-day, 
of  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

Look  in  mercy  upon  such  as  have  hitherto 
neglected  thy  Sabbaths.  Teach  them  to  improve 
vthoso  that  remain ;  and  so  to  redeem  the  time 
which  they  have  lost,  that  they  may  be  numbered 
among  tliy  true  people. 

Remember  for  good  as  many  as,  through  sick- 
ness, or  any  other  impediment,  may  be  prevented 
from  attending  the  ordinances  of  thy  house,  and 
the  habitation  which  their  soul  loveth.  Lot  thy 
presence  be  with  them  in  their  private  meditations, 
oven  as  with  those  who  shall  assemble  together 
in  the  place  where  thy  honour  dwelleth. 

We  pray  thee,  also,  to  have  compassion  upon 
those  who  as  yet  belong  not  to  thy  visible  Church. 

O  thou  who  art  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles, 
and  the  glory  of  thy  people  Israel,  shine  upon 
the  nations  which  are  sitting  in  darkness,  and  ia 
the  shadow  of  death. 

Give,  O  Lord,  the  word,  that  great  may  be  the 
company  of  the  preachers,  who  shall  go  forth  into 
all  the  world,  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every 
creature.  Let  nation  after  nation  be  converted 
to  the  Christian  faith,  till  the  kingdoms  of  this 
world  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of 
his  Christ,  and  the  earth  be  filled  with  the  know- 
ledge of  thy  glory,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea. 

Hear,  we  beseech  thee,  O  heavenly  Father, 
these  our  imperfect  petitions  ;  and  answer  them 
in  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies,  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Lord  and  Saviour; 
to  whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all 
honour  and  glory,  world  without  end. 

Our  Father y  ^^c.     Tkc  peace  cf  God,  S^c, 
2* 


10  FIRST   WEEK. 


SUNDAY  EVENING. 

O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  that 
dwellest  between  the  cherubim,  thou  art  God, 
even  thou  alone,  of  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth; 
and  beside  thee  there  is  none  other.  Thou  art 
our  God,  and,  we  will  praise  thee ;  thou  art  our 
God,  and  we  will  exalt  thee. 

Thou  hast  permitted  us  this  day  to  attend  the 
ordinances  of  thy  house,  and  to  worship  thee  in 
the  congregation  of  thy  people,  with  the  voice  of 
joy  and  praise.  And  we  are  now,  two  or  three, 
gathered  together  in  the  name  of  thy  beloved  Son, 
to  ofter  up,  in  the  midst  of  our  family,  our  humble 
thanks  for  the  mercies  which  we  have  received. 
Fulfil,  we  pray  thee,  thy  gracious  promise.  Be 
now  in  the  midst  of  us,  to  hear  and  to  bless  us. 

We  praise  thee  for  every  opportunity  which 
hath  been  afforded  us  of  becoming  wise  unto  sal- 
vation. 

We  bless  thee  for  casting  our  lot  in  a  land 
where  the  darkness  is  past,  and  the  true  light  now 
shineth. 

We  glorify  thy  name  for  nourishing  us,  and 
bringing  us  up  in  a  Church  which  is  built  on  the 
foundation  of  the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus 
Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner-stone. 

Wq  heartily  thank  thee,  O  heavenly  Father, 
for  giving  us  thy  blessed  Word,  to  direct  us  in 
tie  way  of  life.  Let  it  not  be  unto  us  a  sealed 
Lock,  and  a  dead  letter ;  but  open  our  under- 
standings to  understand  the  Scriptures,  that  we 
may  believe  and  obey  them  to  the  saving  of  the 
soul. 


SUNDAY  EVENING.  11 

Above  all,  wc  praise  thee  for  the  gilt  of  thy 
Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.  And  we  entreat 
thee,  Almighty  God,  to  grant  us  perfectly  to 
know  him  to  be  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life  ; 
that,  under  the  guidance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  we 
may  steadfastly  walk  in  the  path  that  leadeth 
unto  life  eternal. 

But,  while  we  praise  thee,  most  gracious 
Father,  for  these  and  all  thy  other  mercies,  we 
acknowledge  and  confess  our  own  unworthiness, 
and  manifold  abuse  of  them.  We  humble  our- 
selves before  thee,  beseeching  thee,  of  thy  great 
goodness,  not  only  to  accept  our  praise,  but  to 
forgive  us  all  our  sins,  negligences,  and  ignorances. 
Pardon  the  iniquity  of  our  most  holy  things^  and 
wash  us  in  the  precious  blood  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour. 

Hear  us,  O  Lord,  for  his  sake  ;  and  grant  that, 
however  we  have  fallen  short  of  our  duty  this 
day,  we  may  not  have  attended  thy  ordinances 
altogether  in  vain.  Though  we  are  unprofitable 
servants,  do  not  forsake  us.  Though  we  are  dull 
of  hearing,  and  slow  of  heart  to  believe,  and  are 
not  cleansed  according  to  the  purification  of  the 
sanctuary,  yet  mercifully  bear  with  our  infirmities, 
and  cast  us  not  away  from  thy  presence.  Grant 
that  every  Sabbath  may  be  the  means  of  bringing 
us  nearer  to  thyself,  and  of  making  us  more  meet 
for  the  enjoyment  of  thy  glorious  kingdom ; 
where  we  shall  no  longer  see  through  a  glass 
darkly,  but  face  to  face  ;  and  shall  know  even  as 
also  we  are  known. 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord,  in 
our  prayers  and  supplication  for  all  men. 

Prosper  the  labours  of  thy  faithful  servants  who 


12  FIRST  WEEK. 

have  this  day  published  the  glad  tidings  of  salva- 
tion.  Give  thy  blessing  to  the  seed  which  they 
have  sown,  that  it  may  bring  forth  fruit  abun- 
dantly. 

Grant  that  those  who  have  waited  on  thee  may 
renew  their  strength,  and  be  prepared  to  run, 
with  increased  earnestness,  the  race  that  is  set 
before  them. 

Let  grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  to  all  who 
love  the  Lord  Jesus  in  sincerity.  O  Lord,  save 
thy  people,  and  bless  thine  inheritance. 

Hear  the  prayers  which  have  been  offered  up 
for  all  estates  of  men  in  thy  holy  Church ;  and 
answer  them  in  the  multitude  of  thy  tender 
mercies. 

And,  as  thou  hast  built  thy  Church  upon  the 
foundation  of  the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus 
Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner-stone,  grant 
us  so  to  be  joined  together  in  unity  of  spirit  by 
their  doctrine,  diat  we  may  be  made  a  holy 
temple,  acceptable  unto  thee. 

Look,  with  an  eye  of  pity  and  compassion,  on 
such  as  have  neglected  thy  ordinances,  and  pro- 
faned thy  Sabbath.  Turn  them  from  the  error 
of  their  ways,  and  give  them  repentance  unto 
salvation. 

We  desire  now  to  commend  our^^elves,  and  all 
who  are  dear  unto  us,  to  the  protection  of  thy 
good  providence.  Bless,  preserve,  and  keep  us 
through  the  perils  of  the  night. 

Mercifully  hear  the  prayers  and  intercessions 
of  thy  servants;  and  grant  us  thy  peace  all  the 
days  of  our  life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father,  ^*c.      The  peace  of  God^  6fc. 


MONDAY  MORNING. 


13 


MONDAY  MORNUNG. 

Most  mighty  and  most  merciful  God,  under  llic 
shadow  of  whose  wing  we  liave  laid  ourselves 
down  in  peace,  and  are  risen  from  our  beds  in 
safety,  we  humbly  approach  thee,  in  the  name  of 
thy  blessed  Son,  with  the  tribute  of  our  morning 
oblations. 

O  Lord  our  God,  who  is  like  unto  thee,  that 
liast  thy  dwelling  so  high,  and  yet  humblest  thyself 
to  behold  the  things  that  are  done,  not  only  in 
heaven,  but  on  earth;  and  visitest  the  sinful 
children  of  men  with  all  temporal  and  spiritual 
blessings  in  Christ  Jesus  1 

Praised  be  thy  name  from  the  rising  up  of  the 
snn  to  the  going  down  of  the  same. 

Fill  our  hearts,  O  Lord,  with  a  due  sense  of 
thy  mercies  towards  us.  Maintain  in  us,  at  this 
time,  a  special  remembrance  of  what  Ave  owe  to 
thee  for  the  Sabbath  which  is  past.  We  praise 
thee  for  the  word  of  thy  salvation  ;  for  the  ordin- 
ances of  thy  house ;  and  for  all  other  advantages 
which  thy  day  of  rest  afforded.  And  we  beseech 
ihee,  O  Lord,  to  grant  that  we  may  diligently 
improve  them.  Give  unto  each  of  us  the  mani- 
festation of  the  Spirit,  to  profit  withal;  and,  as 
we  receive  the  gift,  may  we  be  enabled  to  minister 
the  same,  as  good  stewards  of  thy  manifold 
grace. 

Cause  thy  power  and  thy  glory,  which  we  have 
seen  in  the  sanctuary,  to  rest  upon  us  throughout 
the  week.  Help  us  to  show,  by  our  life  and 
conversation,  that  we  are  not  trusting  to  a  form 
of  godliness,    and    denying  the  power  thereof. 


14  FIRST  WEEK. 

Having  a  name  to  live,  let  us  not  be  dead  before 
thee.  Make  us  real  members  of  thy  Church, 
children  of  adoption  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus,  and 
heirs  according  to  the  promise  of  eternal  life. 

We  look  up  unto  thee  this  morning  for  thy 
saving  health.  We  feel  and  confess  our  own 
weakness.  We  know  that  the  way  of  man  is  not 
in  himself;  that  it  is  not  in  man  that  walketh  to 
direct  his  steps.  Be  thou,  therefore,  our  keeper 
and  our  defence  upon  our  right  hand.  By  thy 
special  grace  preventing  us,  put  into  our  minds 
good  desires;  and,  by  thy  continual  help,  enable 
us  to  bring  the  same  to  good  effect. 

Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  to  keep  us  this  day  without 
sin.  Deliver  us  from  the  snares  and  temptations 
of  this  evil  world. 

Dispose  us  to  make  a  covenant  with  our  eyes, 
and  to  turn  them  away  from  beholding  vanity. 

Incline  us  diligently  to  take  heed  to  our  ways, 
that  we  offend  not  in  our  tongue. 

Make  us  honest  and  faitliful  in  our  several 
callings;  and  prosper,  if  it  please  thee,  the  works 
of  our  hands.  But  preserve  us  from  being  over- 
charged with  the  cares  of  this  life ;  and  save  us 
from  a  covetous  and  a  worldly  spirit. 

Teach  us  to  set  thee  always  before  us;  and  to 
be  in  thy  fear  all  the  day  long.  Grant,  that 
whether  we  eat  or  drink,  or  whatever  we  do,  we 
may  do  all  to  the  glory  of  thy  great  name,  that 
thou  in  all  things  mayest  be  glorified  through 
Jesus  Christ. 

Be  thou,  O  Lord,  our  portion  and  inheritance 
in  the  land  of  the  living.  Shov/  us  thy  marvellous 
loving-kindness,  thou  that  art  the  Saviour  of 
them  that  trust  in  thee.     Show  us  the  path  of 


MONnAf  IVTOHNING.  15 

Ille ;  make  thy  way  plain  before  our  face ;  and 
bring  us,  at  last,  to  thy  presence,  where  there  is 
the  fulness  of  joy;  and  to  thy  right  hand,  where 
there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

Save  and  protect,  we  earnestly  beseech  thee, 
the  Church  which  thou  hast  purchased  with  4;hy 
blood,  scattered  throughout  the  world ;  especially 
that  part  of  it  which  thou  hast  planted  in  this 
favoured  land. 

Send  forth  also,  among  all  its  members,  a 
more  abundant  measure  of  thy  grace.  Keep 
them  unspotted  from  the  world ;  and  let  their 
conversation  in  all  things  be  as  becometh  the 
Gospel  of  Christ. 

Restore  to  the  way  of  righteousness  those  who 
have  fallen  from  their  steadfastness.  Turn  again 
and  quicken  them,  that  they  may  rejoice  in  thy 
salvation. 

Have  mercy  on  those  who  as  yet  know  not 
the  day  of  their  visitation ;  particularly  on  such 
as  may  have  slighted  the  advantages  of  the 
Sabbath  which  is  past.  Take  from  them  all 
ignorance,  hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt  of 
thy  word- 

Remember,  with  thy  most  gracious  favour,  om' 
relations  and  friends;  and  give  unto  them,  and 
unto  all  others,  whatever  may  b6  profitable  for 
life  and  godliness. 

Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  this  our  morning 
sacrifice  of  prayer  and  of  praise,  for  the  worthi- 
ness of  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 

Ottr  Father,  4'c.     The  peace  of  God,  ^c. 


16  FIRST  WEEK. 


MONDAY  EVENING. 

O  Lord  God  of  our  salvation,  clay  and  night  will 
we  cry  unto  thee.  Bow  down  thine  ear,  and 
hear  us.  Let  our  prayer  come  up  before  thee  as 
incense;  and  let  the  lifting  up  of  our  hands  be 
an  acceptable  evening  sacrifice. 

We  do  not  presume  to  draw  nigh  unto  thee, 
trusting  in  our  own  righteousness,  but  in  thy 
manifold  and  great  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus.  We 
are  not  worth}',  in  ourselves,  to  appear  in  tjjy 
presence,  and  implore  the  smallest  blessing  at  thy 
hands.  For  though  thou  hast  nourished  and 
brought  us  up  as  children,  yet  have  we  sinned 
and  rebelled  against  thee,  O  heavenly  Father, 
from  our  youth  up  even  until  now.  We  have 
broken  thy  law,  despised  thy  Gospel,  and  cast 
thy  words  behind  us. 

But,  blessed  be  thy  name,  there  is  forgiveness 
with  thee,  and  plenteous  redemption  in  thy  be- 
loved Son.  In  him  thou  art  a  God  of  compassion, 
long-suffering,  plenteous  in  goodness  and  in  truth. 

For  his  sake,  therefore,  and  for  thy  name's 
sake,  pardon  our  iniquity;  for  it  is  great.  Enter 
not  into  judgment  with  thy  servants,  O  Lord ; 
for  in  thy  sight  shall  no  flesh  living  be  justified. 
But  in  the  midst  of  judgment  remember  mercy. 
Look  upon  Jesus,  thy  Anointed,  and  save  us 
from  condemnation.  In  him  let  us  obtain  re- 
demption through  his  blood,  even  the  remission 
of  sins.  May  each  of  us  retire  to  rest,  delivered 
from  the  burden  of  guilt,  and  the  bondage  of 
corruption,  and  translated  into  tlie  glorious  liberty 
of  thy  children. 


MONDAY  EVENING.  17 

Grant  us  grace,  O  God,  day  by  day,  to  ex- 
amine our  hearts  and  lives,  and  so  to  search  and 
try  them,  that  we  may  know  of  what  manner  of 
spirit  we  are.  Let  not  a  deceived  heart  turn  us 
aside.  What  we  know  not,  do  thou  teach  us. 
What  we  know,  do  thou  enable  us  to  practise. 
May  we  botli  know  thy  will  and  do  it. 

Give  unto  us  an  enlightened  and  a  tender 
conscience.  Suffer  us  not  to  grieve  thy  Spirit 
by  trifling  with  sin,  and  resisting  the  convictions 
of  our  minds,  lest  we  provoke  thee  to  leave  us 
to  ourselves,  and  to  swear  in  thy  wrath  tliat  we 
shall  never  enter  into  thy  rest.  But  grant,  we 
beseech  thee,  O  merciful  Lord,  from  whom  all 
good  things  do  come,  grant  to  us,  thy  humble 
servants,  that,  by  thy  holy  inspiration,  we  may 
think  those  things  that  are  good,  and  by  thy 
merciful  guiding  may  perform  the  same. 

Accept,  O  heavenly  Father,  our  humble  and 
hearty  thanks  for  all  thy  blessings  towards  us. 
How  great  is  the  sum  of  them !  If  we  should 
count  them,  they  are  more  in  number  than  the 
sand.  We  praise  thee  for  thy  goodness,  which 
cndureth  yet  daily.  We  praise  thee,  O  God, 
we  acknowledge  thee  to  be  the  Lord. 

Trusting  to  thy  power,  thy  wisdom,  and  thy 
care,  we  cheerfully  commend  ourselves,  and  those 
v/hom  we  love,  to  thy  heavenly  protection. 

Lighten  our  darkness,  we  beseech  thee,  O 
Lord ;  and  by  thy  great  mercy  defend  us  from 
all  the  perils  and  dangers  of  the  night. 

Hear  our  prayers  also  in  behalf  of  mankind 
in  general. 

In  thee  let  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  be 
blessed. 

3 


18  FIRST  WEEK. 

Protect  and  save  the  land  in  which  we  rlvvell, 
and  the  Church  to  which  we  belong. 

Bless  our  rulers  whom  thy  good  providence 
hath  set  over  us.  And  may  we  obey  them,  not 
only  for  wrath,  but  also  for  conscience  sake; 
alway  remembering  that  there  is  no  power  but  of 
thee ;  that  the  powers  which  be  are  ordained  of 
thee. 

Stir  up,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  the  wilh 
of  thy  faithful  people ;  that  they,  plenteously 
bringing  forth  the  fruit  of  good  works,  may  of 
thee  b*e  plenteously  rewarded. 

Look  upon  those  who  are  lying  on  the  bed  of 
affliction ;  and  make  thou  all  their  bed  in  their 
sickness. 

Arise,  O  Lord  God,  lift  up  thy  hand;  forget 
not  the  poor. 

May  it  please  thee  to  defend  and  provide  for 
the  fatherless  children  and  widows,  and  all  that 
are  desolate  and  oppressed. 

May  it  please  thee  to  forgive  our  enemies, 
persecutors,  and  slanderers,  and  to  turn  their 
hearts. 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord, 

Graciously  hear  us,  O  Christ ;  graciously  hear 
us,  O  Lord  Christ. 

Hear  us,  O  thou  Spirit  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son ;  hear  us,  we  pray  thee.  Eternal  Spirit. 

Hear  us,  O  most  blessed  and  glorious  Trinity, 
three  persons  and  one  God,  this  night  and  for 
evermore. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.     The  jjcace  of  God,  S^c 


TUESDAY   MORNING.  A9 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 

O  God,  wliose  mercies  are  renewed  to  us  day  by 
day,  we  will  sing  of  thy  power  and  grace  every 
morning.  Let  them  give  thanks  whom  thou  hast 
preserved. 

But  what  shall  we  render  unto  thee  for  all  the 
benefits  which  thou  liast  done  unto  US'?  Thine 
we  arc,  and  thee  we  ought  to  serve;  and  to  lovo 
thee  with  all  the  heart,  and  sotd,  and  mind,  and 
strength,  is  our  r-easonable  service,  and  our 
bounden  duty. 

We  humbly  desire  to  offer  up  the  sacrifice  of 
praise  continually  in  the  name  of  that  blessed 
Saviour,  through  whom  alone  thou  permittest  us 
lo  approach  thee  even  with  the  voice  of  thanks- 
giving. Our  goodness  extendeth  not  to  thee. 
When  we  have  done  all,  we  are  unprofitable 
servants.  Our  highest  praises  can  add  nothing 
to  thy  glory,  and  are  altogether  unworthy  of  thy 
notice;  and  thou  greatly  humblest  thyself  to 
accept  them. 

Help  us,  O  Lord,  daily  to  think  on  thy  con- 
descension and  grace,  in  regarding  the  services 
of  such  unworthy  creatures,  and  in  continuing  thy 
mercies  to  the  unthankful  and  the  evil.  Teach 
us  to  know  and  to  feel  our  exceeding  sinfulness 
in  thy  sight,  that  we  may  be  filled  with  a  due 
sense  of  all  thy  mercies.  We  have,  indeed, 
greatly  sinned  with  our  fathers :  we  have  done 
amiss,  and  dealt  wickedly.  But,  O  Lord,  we 
beseech  thee,  absolve  us  from  our  offences;  that, 
through  thy  bountiful  goodness,  we  may  be  de- 
livered from  the  bands  of  those  sins  which,  by 


so  FIRST  WEEK. 

our  frailty,  we  have  committed.  Grant  that  we 
may  truly  repent  of  them  before  thee,  and  turn 
ourselves  from  them,  that  so  iniquity  may  not  be 
our  ruin. 

Save  us,  O  Lord  our  God,  and  gather  not  our 
souls  with  the  ungodly,  but  set  us  apart  for  thy- 
self. May  we  strive  to  enter  in  at  the  strait 
gate.  May  we  not  be  of  the  number  of  those 
who  seek  to  enter  in,  and  are  not  able;  but  of 
those  who  believe,  to  the  saving  of  the  soul. 
We  would  magnify  the  exceeding  riches  of  thy 
grace,  and  exalt  the  honour  of  thy  name,  by 
humble  trust  and  confidence  in  the  Son  of  thy 
love. 

And  we  pray  thee,  O  Lord,  that  thy  power 
may  be  great,  both  in  pardoning  our  sins,  and  in 
enabling  us  to  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  righteous- 
ness, which  are,  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  thy  praise 
and  glory. 

As  thou  hast  given  him  to  be  unto  us  both  a 
sacrifice  for  sin,  and  also  an  ensample  of  godly 
life,  give  us  grace  that  we  may  always  most 
thankfully  receive  that  his  inestimable  benefit, 
and  also  daily  endeavour  ourselves  to  follow  the 
blessed  steps  of  his  most  holy  life. 

Our  eyes  are  now  directed  unto  thee,  from 
whom  Cometh  all  our  help.  Dispose  us  to  enter 
upon  the  various  duties  of  this  day,  with  tlic 
spirit  of  those  whom  thy  mercy  hath  spared,  and 
thy  grace  bath  quickened  to  newness  of  life. 
Deliver  us  from  spiritual  sloth  and  negligence. 
Make  us  active  in  the  discharge  of  all  that  lieth 
before  us.  Help  us  to  press  forward  in  the  way 
of  life,  and  so  to  run,  that  we  may  obtain  the 
prize  of  our  high  calling.     Inchne  and  enable  us 


TUESDAY   MORNING.  531 

to  abound  in  those  good  works  which  thou  hast 
prepared  lor  us  to  walk  in  ;  to  wait  all  the  days 
of  our  appointed  time,  till  our  change  come ; 
and,  by  patient  continuance  in  well-doing,  to 
seek  for  glory,  and  honour,  and  immortality  ; 
that  so,  by  thy  mercy,  we  may,  in  the  end,  obtain 
eternal  life. 

Grant  also,  we  pray  thee,  O  Lord,  that  all 
who  are  called  Christians,  may  thus  adorn  the 
doctrine  of  God  their  Saviour. 

Bless  thy  whole  Church,  and  order  all  things 
for  its  increase  and  prosperity.  Sanctify  and 
cleanse  it,  that  it  may  be  a  glorious  Church,  not 
having  spot,  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing,  but 
that  it  may  be  holy,  and  without  blemish. 

Pour  down  thy  special  blessing  on  the  imme- 
diate neighbourhood  in  which  we  dwell.  Grant 
that  all  who  profess  thy  holy  name  may  truly 
and  faithfully  serve  thee  in  their  various  callings 
and  relations. 

Lastly,  v/e  pray  thee  to  regard  with  thy  favour 
this  family.  Look  down  upon  us  in  mercy. 
Refresh  us  abundantly  with  the  dew  of  thy 
blessing.  May  we  be  followers  of  thee,  as  dear 
children,  walking  in  love,  as  Christ  also  loved  us,* 
and  gave  himself  for  us,  an  offering  and  a  sacrifice 
unto  thee  for  a  sweet  smelling  savour. 

These  prayers,  for  ourselves  and  others,  we 
humbly  ofier  up  to  the  throne  of  grace,  in  the 
name,  and  through  the  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ, 
our  only  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.     The  peace  of  God,  Sfc. 


3* 


22  FIRST  WEEK. 


TUESDAY   EVENING. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  be  pleased  to 
c^ispose  tlie  hearts  of  thy  servants  to  close  this 
day  with  serious  reflection  and  fervent  prayer ; 
and  grant  that  we  may  be  always  ready  to  pe.- 
form  this  reasonable  service. 

Thy  name,  O  Lord,  endureth  for  ever;  and 
so  doth  thy  memorial,  O  Lord,  from  one  genera- 
tion to  another. 

Thy  merciful  kindness  is  ever  more  and  more 
towards  us.  Thou  loadest  us  daily  with  thy 
benefits,  and  givest  us  richly  all  things  to  enjoy. 

We  praise  thee  for  continuing  to  us  our  life, 
with  all  its  comforts ;  for  blessing  us  in  our 
families,  in  our  persons,  and  in  our  friends. 

Help  us  to  see  thy  hand,  and  to  own  tliy 
providence,  in  all  our  concerns;  and  with  all 
thankfulness  of  heart,  to  trace  up  every  stream  of 
earthly  comfort  to  the  fountain  of  eternal  love. 

But  chiefly,  we  bless  thee  for  Jesus  Christ, 
through  whom  these  and  all  thy  other  mercies 
are  vouchsafed. 

^  We  adore  thee  for  having  delivered  him  up 
for  us  all,  that  with  him  also  thou  mightest  freely 
give  us  all  things. 

Truly  thy  ways  are  not  as  our  ways,  nor  ihy 
thoughts  as  our  thoughts.  As  the  heavens  are 
higher  than  the  earth,  so  are  thy  ways  higher 
than  our  ways,  and  thy  thoughts  than  our  thoughts. 

O  Lord  our  God,  who  is  like  unto  thee,  that 
pardonest  iniquity,  and  passest  by  the  transgres- 
sion of  thine  heritage;  that  retainest  not  thine 
anger  for  ever,  because  thou  delightest  in  mercy? 


TUESDAY  EVENING.  23 

And  since  thou  hast  promised  that  all  things 
arc  ours,  if  we  are  Christ's,  mercifully  grant  that 
we  may  be  made  partakers  of  his  great  salvation. 
Justify  us  freely  through  the  redemption  that  is 
in  him.  Though  sin  hath  abounded  in  us,  let 
thy  grace  abound  much  more. 

From  all  evil  and  mischief,  from  sin,  from  the 
crafts  and  assaults  of  the  devil,  from  thy  wrath, 
and  from  everlasting  damnation,  good  Lord, 
deliver  us. 

Grant  that  Christ  may  be  formed  in  our  hearts, 
the  hope  of  glory ;  and  that,  having  this  blessed 
hope,  we  may  purify  ourselves,  even  as  he  is 
pure.  Show  unto  us  all  things,  in  our  hearts 
and  lives,  which  are  displeasing  in  thy  sight. 
And  may  we  abstain  from  every  practice,  and 
mortify  every  desire,  which  would  cause  thee  to 
withdraw  thy  presence  from  us.  Make  us  holy 
in  thought,  and  word,  and  deed  ;  abhorring  that 
which  is  evil,  and  cleaving  to  that  which  is  good. 

May  we  be  daily  established  in  grace,  and 
find  the  joy  of  the  Lord  to  be  our  strength.  As 
in  old  time,  thou  didst  teach  the  hearts  of  thy 
faithful  people,  by  sending  to  them  the  light  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  so  may  we,  by  the  same  Spirit, 
have  a  right  judgment  in  all  things,  and  evermore 
rejoice  in  his  holy  comfort. 

May  thy  good  providence  vouchsafe  unto  us 
rest  and  protection  this  night.  Thou,  Lord,  art 
our  refuge,  our  fortress,  and  our  merciful  God, 
in  whom  we  do  trust.  May  we  abide  safely 
under  thy  almighty  shadow.  Let  thy  truth  and 
faithfulness  be  our  shield  and  buckler.  May  no 
evil  befall  us,  nor  any  plague  come  nigh  our 
dwelling. 


24  FIRST  WEEK. 

And  grant,  we  pray  thee,  Almighty  Father, 
that  thy  goodness  and  mercy  may  follow  us  all 
the  days  of  our  life.  Be  thou  our  continual  ruler 
and  guide ;  and  teach  us  so  to  pass  through 
things  temporal,  that  we  finally  lose  not  the 
things  eternal. 

With  these  prayers  for  ourselves,  we  offer  up 
our  earnest  intercessions  for  our  friends,  relations, 
and  neighbours,  and  for  all  our  fellow-creatures. 

O  God,  the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all 
mankind,  we  humbly  beseech  thee  for  all  suits 
and  conditions  of  men,  that  thou  wouldest  bo 
pleased  to  make  thy  ways  known  unto  them,  thy 
saving  health  unto  all  nations. 

More  especially,  we  pray  for  the  good  estate 
of  the  Universal  Church,  that  it  may  be  so 
guided  and  governed  by  thy  good  Spirit,  that  all 
who  profess  and  call  themselves  Christians  may 
be  led  into  the  way  of  truth,  and  hold  the  faith 
in  unity  of  spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  in 
righteousness  of  life. 

Finally,  we  commend  to  thy  fatherly  goodness 
all  those  who  are  any  ways  afflicted  or  distressed 
in  mind,  body,  or  estate;  that  it  may  please  thee 
to  comfort  and  reheve  them  according  to  their 
several  necessities,  giving  them  patience  under 
their  sufferings,  and  a  happy  issue  out  of  all  their 
afflictions.  And  this  we  beg  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake,  in  whose  blessed  name  and  words  we 
further  pray — 

Our  Father,  t^c.      The  peace  of  God.,  ^"c. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  art  always 
inoro  ready  to  hear  than  we  to  pray,  and  art 
wont  to  give  more  than  either  we  desire  or 
deserve,  pour  down  upon  us  the  abundance  of 
thy  mercy,  forgiving  us  those  things  whereof  our 
conscience  is  afraid,  and  giving  us  those  good 
things  which  we  arc  not  worthy  to  ask,  but 
through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ, 
ihy  Son,  our  Lord. 

We  glorify  thy  name,  that  through  him  thou 
hast  opened  a  way  of  access  to  thyself,  and  hast 
set  him  forth  as  a  propitiation  tlirough  faith  in 
liis  blood,  that  all  who  believe  may  be  justified 
from  all  things. 

We  flee  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  of  this  hope  set 
before  us.  Our  iniquities  are,  indeed,  gone  over 
our  heads,  as  a  heavy  burden;  they  are  too  heavy 
for  us  to  bear. 

But,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  cease  from 
thine  anger.  Be  not  wroth  very  sore,  neitlier 
remember  our  iniquity  for  ever,  lest,  if  thou 
make  as  though  thou  hearest  not,  we  become 
like  them  that  go  down  into  the  pit. 

Look  not  for  satisfaction  unto  us,  who  have  so 
grievously  sinned  against  thee,  and  have  no  help 
in  ourselves,  but  look  unto  thy  beloved  Son, 
whom,  of  thy  tender  mercy,  thou  didst  give  to 
iiutfer  death  upon  the  cross  for  our  redemption  ; 
who  made  there,  by  his  one  oblation  of  himself, 
once  offered,  a  full,  perfect,  and  sufficient  sacri- 
fice, oblation,  and  satisfaction,  for  the  sins  of  the 
whole  world. 


36  FIRST  WEEK. 

Remember  thy  own  most  gracious  declaration, 
that  thou  hast  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  him 
that  dieth,  but  hadst  rather  that  he  turn  from  his 
evil  ways  and  live. 

Remember  thine  exceeding  great  and  precious 
promise,  that  whosoever  cometh  to  thee,  shall  in 
no  wise  be  cast  out. 

Behold^  we  come  unto  thee,  pleading  this  thy 
gracious  assurance.  Spare  us,  therefore,  good 
Lord;  spare  us  for  thy  name's  sake,  nor  cause 
thy  truth  and  faithfulness  to  fail ;  and  grant  that 
we,  whose  consciences  by  sin  are  accused,  by  thy 
merciful  pardon  may  be  absolved,  through  Christ 
our  Lord. 

O  Lord^  our  heavenly  Father,  almighty  and 
everlasting  God,  who  hast  safely  brought  us  to 
the  beginning  of  this  day ;  defend  us  in  the  same 
with  thy  mighty  power,  and  grant  that  this  day 
we  fall  into  no  sin,  neither  run  into  any  kind  of 
danger  ;  but  that  all  our  doings  may  be  ordered 
by  thy  governance,  to  do  always  that  is  righteous 
in  thy  sight. 

Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  incline  our 
liearts  to  keep  thy  laws. 

Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  write  all  thy 
laws  in  our  hearts,  we  beseech  thee. 

Regard  us  in  the  various  conditions  of  life. 

Bless  us  as  a  family.  Unite  our  hearts  to  fear 
thy  name.  Make  us  all  of  one  mind,  the  mind 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  Teach  us  to  love  one 
another  with  a  pure  heart  fervently ;  to  bear  each 
other's  burdens;  and  so  to  fulfill  the  law  of  Christ. 

Give  us  grace  to  be  faithful  in  our  several 
Qccupations,  and  to  do  our  duty  in  that  state  of 
life  into  which  it  hath  pleased  thee  to  call  us. 


WEDNESDAY  MOKNING.  27 

Bless  us  in  our  social  connexions  and  employ- 
ments. Let  our  chief  companions  and  friends 
be  such  as  fear  thee.  Let  all  our  delight  be  in 
the  saints  that  are  in  the  earth,  and  in  such  as 
excell  in  virtue. 

Bless  us  in  our  necessary  dealings  with  the 
world.  Make  us  honest  in  all  our  concernSif 
Deliver  us  from  lying  lips,  and  from  a  deceitful 
tongue ;  and  let  integrity  and  uprightness  pre- 
serve us.  Hold  thou  up  our  goings  in  thy  path;?, 
that  our  footsteps  slip  not. 

Enable  us  to  walk  wisely  towards  them  that 
are  thine  enemies,  and  to  afford  them  no  just 
occasion  to  blaspheme. 

Let  the  very  words  of  our  mouth,  and  the 
meditations  of  our  heart,  be  always  acceptable 
in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  our  strength  and  our 
Redeemer. 

We  humbly  pray  thee  to  pour  down  these 
blessings  upon  all  men,  particularly  on  our  fellow 
Christians,  and  on  those  to  whom  we  are  more 
immediately  related ;  and  whom,  without  ceasing, 
we  desire  to  remember  in  our  prayers. 

Give  unto  them  whatever  thy  infinite  wisdom 
knoweth  to  be  necessary  or  profitable,  both  for 
their  temporal  and  eternal  welfare. 

Hear  us,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Father  of  mer- 
cies, in  these  our  supplications,  for  them,  and  for 
ourselves. 

And,  together  with  these  our  prayers,  be 
pleased  also  to  accept  our  hearty  thanks  for  all 
thy  goodness  towards  us;  more  especially  for  the 
protection  and  refreshment  of  the  past  night. 

Mercifully  spare  us  to  meet  together  in  the 
evening,  to  renew  our  prayers  and  praises,  in 


28  FIRST  WEEK. 

the  name  of  him,  through  whom  we  now  ofier 
them  at  the  throne  of  grace,  in  the  words  which 
he  himself  hath  taught  us  to  use : — 

Our  Father^  6fc.     The  peace  of  God^  S^c. 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING. 

O  Lord,  thou  hast  been  our  refuge  from  one 
generation  to  another.  Before  the  mountains 
were  brought  forth,  or  ever  the  earth  and  the 
worlds  were  made,  thou  art  God  from  everlasting, 
and  world  without  end. 

Upon  thy  mercy-seat  in  the  heavens  thou  wait- 
est  to  be  gracious;  and  we,  thy  sinful  creatures, 
draw  nigh  unto  thee,  as  unto  a  God  in  Christ,  re- 
conciling the  world  unto  thyself,  not  imputing 
their  trespasses  unto  them. 

We  trust,  O  Lord,  to  the  v/ord  of  thy  promise, 
that  though  we  have  sinned,  we  have  an  Advocate 
with  thee,  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous,  who  is  the 
propitiation  for  our  sins;  and  not  for  ours  onh^, 
but  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world. 

If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  our- 
selves, and  the  truth  is  not  in  us;  but  if  we  confess? 
our  sjns,  thou  art  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our 
sins,  and  to  cleanse  usfr  om  all  unrighteousness. 

We  pray  thee,  therefore,  to  create  and  make 
in  us  new  and  contrite  hearts ;  that  we,  worthily 
lamenting  our  sins,  and  acknowledging  our  wretch- 
edness, may  obtain  of  thee,  the  God  of  all  mere}'-, 
perfect  remission  and  forgiveness.  Regard  us  no 
longer  as  children  of  wrath,  but  as  dear  children ; 
heirs  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  joint-heirs 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING.  29 

W\\.h  Christ.  Satisfy  us  with  thy  mercy,  and  that 
soon,  that  we  may  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  thee  all 
our  days. 

Grant  us,  according  to  the  riches  of  thy  glory, 
to  be  strengthened  with  might,  by  thy  Spirit,  in 
the  inner  man.  Let  Christ  dwell  in  our  hearts 
by  faith,  that,  being  rooted  and  grounded  in  love, 
we  may  be  able  to  comprehend,  with  all  saints, 
what  is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and  depth,  and 
height;  and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which 
passeth  knowledge,  that  we  may  be  filled  with 
all  the  fulness  of  thee  our  God. 

Thou  hast  brought  and  defended  us,  O  hea- 
venly Father,  through  the  dangers  of  another 
day;  and  hast  blessed  us  with  every  needful  bless- 
ing, in  our  going  out  and  coming  in. 

But,  we  beseech  thee,  O  God,  of  the  spirits 
of  all  flesh,  in  whom  alone  we  live,  and  move, 
and  have  our  beings  to  touch  our  hearts  with  the 
solemn  and  aflecting  truth,  that  we  know  not 
what  shall  be  on  the  morrow.  Keep  us  constantly 
mindful,  that  in  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death. 
Of  whom  may  we  seek  for  succour  but  of  thee, 
O  Lord,  who  for  our  sins  art  justly  displeased? 
Yet,  O  Lord  God  most  holy,  O  Lord  most  mighty, 
O  holy  and  merciful  Saviour,  thou  most  worthy 
Judge  eternal,  suffer  us  not,  at  our  last  hour,  for 
any  pains  of  death,  to  fall  from  thee. 

Give  ear,  O  Lord,  to  our  prayers  for  our  fel- 
low-creatures. 

Put  the  ungodly  in  fear,  that  they  may  know 
themselves  to  be  but  men.  Incline  them  seriously 
to  think  on  their  ways,  and  turn  their  feet  unto 
thy  testimonies. 

Let  all  those  who  trust  in  thee  rejoice;  because 
4 


30  FIRST  WEEK. 

their  redemption  draweth  nigh;  aYid  their  salva- 
tion is  nearer  than  when  they  first  believed. 

Be  gracious  unto  such  as,  in  this  transitory 
world,  are  suffering,  either  for  their  sins  or  for 
righteousness  sake  ;  and  sanctify  their  sufferings 
to  the  good  of  their  souls. 

Lastly,  we  pray  thee.  Almighty  God,  with 
whom  do  live  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect^ 
after  they  are  delivered  from  their  earthly  pri- 
sons, to  look  with  compassion  on  all  whom  the 
sorrows  of  death  are  encompassing  about.  We 
commend  their  souls  into  thy  hands,  as  into  the 
hands  of  a  faithful  Creator  and  most  merciful 
Saviour  ;  humbly  beseeching  thee,  that  they  may 
be  precious  in  thy  sight.  Wash  them  in  the  blood 
of  that  spotless  Lamb  that  was  slain  to  take  away 
the  sins  of  the  world,  that  they  may  be  presented 
pure  and  without  spot  before  thee. 

And  teach  us  who  survive,  in  every  daily 
spectacle  of  mortality,  to  remember  how  frail  and 
uncertain  our  own  condition  is;  and  so  to  num- 
ber our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto 
wisdom.  Grant  that  neither  the  splendour  of 
any  thing  that  is  great,  nor  the  conceit  of  any 
thing  that  is  good  in  us,  may  w^ithdraw  our  eyes 
from  looking  upon  ourselves  as  sinful  dust  and 
ashes  :  but  that  we  may  press  forward  to  the  prize 
of  the  high  calling  that  is  before  us,  in  faith  and 
patience,  humility  and  meekness,  mortification, 
and  self-denial,  charity  and  constant  perseverance 
unto  the  end;  and  all  this  for  thy  Son,  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ's  sake:  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honour  and  glory,  world 
without  end. 

Our  Father,  4*c.     The  peace  of  God,  S^e. 


THURSDAY  MOUNiiNw,  31 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty,  everlasting  Lord,  the  faithful  and  tli-j 
true  God,  who  keepest  thy  ap}Dointed  covenant, 
that  day  and  night  shall  not  fail;  grant  that  we 
may  be  reminded,  by  thy  unchangeableness  and 
truth,  of  the  covenant  which  we  have  made  with 
thee. 

Thou  didst  graciously  admit  us,  by  baptism, 
into  thy  holy  Church ;  and  we  have  frequently 
renewed,  in  thy  presence,  the  solemn  vow  and 
promise  which  was  made  in  our  name.  AVe  have 
acknowleged  thee  to  be  our  God,  and  ourselves 
to  be  thy  people.  We  have  engaged  to  renounce 
the  devil  and  all  his  works,  the  pomps  and  vani- 
ties of  this  wicked  world,  and  all  the  sinful  lusts 
of  the  flesh;  to  believe  all  the  articles  of  the 
Christian  faith;  to  keep  thy  holy  will  and  com- 
mandments, and  to  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days 
of  our  life. 

But,  O  God,  we  confess  that  we  have  been  un- 
faithful to  our  vows,  and  unmindful  of  that  co- 
venant which  thou,  for  thy  part,  wilt  most  surely 
keep  and  perform.  We  have  forfeited,  by  our 
manifold  sins,  all  its  great  and  glorious  privileges  ; 
and  thou  mightest  justh'  refuse  to  restore  us  to 
thy  favour,  or  any  more  to  be  entreated  of  by  us. 

But  thou  art  God,  and  not  man.  Thou, 
Lord,  art  good,  ready  to  forgive;  plenteous  in 
mercy  to  all  that  call  upon  thee  in  the  name  of 
thy  beloved  Son.  Yea,  before  we  call,  thou  art 
willing  to  answer;  and,  while  we  are  yet  speak- 
ing, thou  wilt  hear. 

Have    mercy    upon    us,   therefore,    Almighty 


32  FIRST  WEEK. 

Father;  and,  though  we  are  unworthy,  in  our- 
selves, to  be  numbered  with  thy  children,  yet,  for 
the  worthiness  of  thy  Son,  we  pray  thee,  admit 
us  again  into  thy  family.  Heal  our  backslidings, 
receive  us  graciously,  forgive  us  freely,  and  let 
thy  righteous  anger  be  turned  away. 

Enable  us  now,  in  thy  strength,  to  join  our- 
selves to  thee,  in  a  perpetual  covenant,  that  shall 
never  be  forgotten;  remembering  always,  that 
baptism  doth  represent  unto  us  our  profession ; 
which  is,  to  follow  the  example  of  our  Saviour 
Christ,  and  to  be  made  like  unto  him;  that,  as  he 
died  and  rose  again  for  us,  so  should  we,  who  are 
baptized,  die  to  sin,  and  rise  again  unto  righte- 
ousness ;  continually  mortifying  all  our  evil  and 
corrupt  affections,  and  daily  proceeding  in  all 
virtue  and  godliness  of  living. 

Thou  knowest,  Lord,  how  many  there  are  who 
rise  up  against  us.  We  wrestle  not  only  against 
flesh  and  blood,  but  against  principalities  and 
powers;  against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this 
world ;  against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high  places. 

To  whom  should  we  flee  for  help,  but  unto 
thee,  O  thou  Captain  of  our  salvation,  who  hast 
triumphed  over  them  openly !  There  is  none  other 
that  fighteth  for  us  but  only  thou,  O  God.  We 
beseech  thee,  therefore,  Almighty  Lord,  who  seest 
that  we  put  not  our  trust  in  any  thing  that  we  do, 
mercifully  to  grant,  that,  by  thy  power,  we  may 
be  defended  against  all  adversity. 

Grant  that  the  old  Adam  may  be  so  buried, 
that  the  new  man  may  be  raised  up  in  us. 

Grant  that  all  carnal  affections  may  die  in  us; 
and  that  all  things  belonging  to  the  Spirit  may 
live  and  grow  in  us. 


THURSDAY   MOUMNU.  'SS 

Grant  that  we  may  have  power  and  strengtli  to 
have  victory,  and  to  triunipli  against  the  dcvil^ 
the  world,  and  the  flesh. 

Grant  that  we  ma}'  be  endued  with  all  heavenly 
virtues,  and  everlastingly  rewarded  through  thy 
mercy,  O  blessed  Lord  God,  who  dost  live  and 
govern  all  things,  world  without  end. 

Hear  our  prayers,  O  Lord  of  hosts,  for  all 
mankind ;  more  especially  for  the  whole  state  of 
Christ's  Church  militant  here  on  earth. 

Bless  all  who  have  been  baptized  into  the  same 
faith,  and  are  engaged  in  the  same  spiritual  con- 
test with  ourselves.  Enable  them  to  war  a  good 
warfare,  to  fight  manfully  the  fight  of  faith,  and  to 
endure  hardness,  as  good  soldiersof  Christ  Jesus. 
Clothe  them  with  thy  whole  armour,  O  God. 
Gird  them  with  strength  unto  the  battle ;  and  let 
all  their  enemies  flee  before  them.  Keep  them 
as  the  apple  of  thine  eye:  hide  them  under  the 
shadow  of  thy  wings,  from  the  ungodly  that  trou- 
ble them,  and  from  all  those  that  compass  ihem 
round  about  to  take  away  their  souls. 

May  it  please  thee  to  strengthen  such  as  do 
stand,  and  to  comfort  and  help  the  weak-hearted  : 
to  raise  up  those  that  fall,  and  finally  to  beat  down 
Satan  under  their  feet. 

Grant  these  our  requests,  O  merciful  Father, 
for  the  honour  of  our  only  Mediator  and  Advocate, 
Jesus  Christ;  in  whose  name  and  words  we  are 
taught  thus  to  call  upon  tliee : — 

On?'  Father,  Sfc.      The  jJcace  of  Gud,  c^r. 


34  FIRST  WEEK. 


THURSDAY  EVENING. 

Great  and  glorious  Lord  God,  the  alpha  and 
omega,  the  beginning  and  the  ending,  the  first 
and  the  last,  which  is,  and  which  was,  and  which 
was  to  come,  the  Almighty,  who  shall  not  fear 
thee,  and  glorify  thy  name] 

O  Lord  our  God,  thou  art  the  dreadful  and  the 
jealous  God,  against  whose  divine  Majesty  all 
our  sins  have  been  committed,  and  the  fury  of 
whose  indignation  we  have  stirred  up  round 
about  us.  Against  thee,  thee  only,  have  we  sin- 
ned all  our  days,  by  oftences  innumerable  and 
without  excuse. 

By  evil  thoughts  and  idle  words,  by  leaving 
undone  what  we  ought  to  do,  and  by  doing  what 
we  ought  not  to  do,  we  have  failed  continually  in 
our  duty  to  thee,  to  our  neighbour,  and  to  our- 
selves. Thy  law  is  spiritual;  but  we  are  by 
nature  carnal,  sold  unto  sin.  We  often  do  that 
which  we  allow  not;  that  which  we  would,  we  do 
BOt ;  and  that  which  we  hate,  we  do.  Even  when 
we  would  most  delight  in  thy  law,  after  the  inner 
man,  we  feel  another  law  in  our  members,  war- 
ing against  the  law  of  our  minds,  and  striving 
to  bring  us  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  sin,  which 
is  in  our  members.  We  confess,  most  righteous 
Lord,  that  our  hearts  are  deceitful  above  all 
thino-s,  and  desperately  wicked,  and  that  in  our 
flesh  dwelleth  no  good  thing.  We  are  unclean. 
Lord,  we  are  unclean,  and  thou  mightest  justly 
regard  us  with  abhorrence. 

But,    to  whom  should  we  go  but  unto  thee, 
who  alone  givcst  medicine  to  heal  our  gickness  i 


THURSDAY  EVENING.  35 

Mercifully  with  thy  favour  look  upon  us,  for  the 
worthiness  of  thy  only-begotten  Son,  Jesus  Christ, 
tlirough  whom  we  are  directed  to  seek  all  spiri- 
tual blessings  at  thy  hands.  Speak  the  word 
only,  and  thy  servants  shall  be  healed.  From  all 
our  iilthiness,  and  from  all  our  pollutions,  do 
thou  cleanse  us  in  his  most  precious  blood. 
Create  in  us  clean  hearts,  O  God,  and  renew  right 
spirits  within  us.  Grant  that  we  may  find  our 
corruptions  weakened,  and  the  power  of  thy  grace 
increased  in  our  souls.  Grant  that  the  law  of  the 
spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  may  make  us  free 
from  the  law  of  sin  and  death ;  and  may  deliver 
us  from  the  bondage  of  corruption  into  the  glo- 
rious liberty  of  thy  children. 

Grant  that  this  vile  body,  which  shall  soon  be 
committed  to  the  ground,  earth  to  earth,  ashes  to 
ashes,  and  dust  to  dust,  in  sure  and  certain  hope 
of  the  resurrection  to  life  eternal,  may  be  changed, 
like  unto  Christ's  glorious  body,  according  to  the 
mighty  working  whereby  he  is  able  to  subdue 
even  all  things  to  himself. 

Have  mercy,  O  Lord,  on  all  who  partake  of 
our  sins  and  infirmities.  Support  and  comfort 
those  who  see  and  lament  the  evil  of  their  hearts 
and  lives ;  who  feel  the  flesh  lusting  against  the 
spirit,  and  the  spirit  against  the  flesh,  and  cannot 
do  the  things  that  they  would.  Be  not  thou  far 
from  them,  O  Lord.  Thou  art  their  succour,  haste 
thee  to  held  them.  Enable  them  to  crucify  the 
old  man,  and  to  bring  into  subjection  the  whole 
body  of  sin  ;  and  finally,  give  unto  them  the  vic- 
tory through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Show  also  to  them  that  be  in  error  the  light  of 
thy  truth. 


36  FIRST   WEEK. 

Open  the  eyes  of  such  as  see  not  the  fault  and 
corruption  of  their  nature.  Lead  those  wlio  think 
that  they  are  rich,  and  increased  with  goods,  and 
that  they  have  need  of  nothing,  to  confess  them- 
selves wretched,  and  miserable,  and  poor,  and 
blind,  and  naked.  May  they  learn  to  renounce 
their  own  righteousness,  and  submit  to  the  righte- 
ousness of  God. 

Bring  all  nations  to  the  obedience  of  faith. 

Be  gracious  to  thy  people  Israel ;  and  turn 
away  the  captivity  of  Jacob. 

Let  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  be  brought  in. 

Have  compassion  on  this  sinful  land. 

Accept,  O  heavenly  Father,  our  thanks  for  the 
blessings  which  we  have  already  received.  Day 
by  day  we  will  magnify  thee,  and  every  night 
proclaim  thy  faithfulness  and  truth. 

To  thee,  and  to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender 
mercies,  we  commend  ourselves,  and  all  for 
whom  we  have  prayed. 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord.  Son 
of  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  hear  us.  O  Lamb 
of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world, 
have  mercy  upon  us.  O  Christ,  hear  us.  Lord, 
have  mercy  upon  us.  Christ,  have  mercy  upon 
us.     Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Our  Father,  S^c.      The  peace  of  God,  Sfc. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 

O  Tiiou  God  of  the  families  of  Israel,  and  the 
hope  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth,   behold  witJ? 


FRIDAY   MORNING.  37 

compassion  thy  weak  and  sinful  creatures,  waiting 
for  tiiy  blessing  at  the  throne  of  grace. 

Let  our  prayer  be  now  made  to  thee  in  an 
acceptable  time,  in  which  thou  mayest  be  found. 

Hear  us,  O  Lord,  for  thy  loving-kindness  is 
great.  Turn  thee  unto  us,  in  the  multitude  of 
thy  tender  mercies,  and  draw  nigh  unto  the  souls 
which  thou  hast  redeemed. 

We  do  not  present  our  supplications  for  our 
righteousness,  for  we  are  before  thee  in  the  midst 
of  trespasses  and  sins,  and  cannot  stand  in  thy 
sight  because  of  them.  But  we  bow  the  knee 
before  thee,  in  the  name  of  him  whom  thou  thy- 
self hast  made  the  Lord  our  righteousness ;  and 
through  him  we  pray  thee  to  show  us  thy  mercy, 
and  to  grant  us  thy  salvation.  Pass  by  our  in- 
numerable transgressions,  as  though  thou  hadst 
not  seen  them.  Remember  us  with  the  favour 
which  thou  bearest  unto  thy  people,  and  visit  us 
with  thy  salvation,  that  we  may  see  the  good  of 
thy  chosen,  and  rejoice  in  the  gladness  of  thy 
people,  and  give  thanks  with  thine  inheritance. 

May  we  now  go  forth  to  the  discharge  of  our 
several  duties,  with  thy  love  shed  abroad  in  our 
hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  Enable  us  to  feel  its 
constraining  influence  in  all  our  ways,  and  to 
show  forth  thy  praises,  who  callest  us  out  of  dark- 
ness into  marvellous  light. 

Teach  us  faithfully  to  improve  our  various 
talents,  and  continually  to  occupy  with  them  till 
thou  come. 

Preserve  us  from  being  led  away  with  the  error 
of  the  wicked.  Keep  us  that  we  fall  not  from 
our  steadfastness,  nor  make  shipwreck  of  faith 
and  a  good  conscience.     May  we  be  strong  m 


38  FIRST  WEEK. 

the  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  in  every 
temptation  hold  fast  our  integrity. 

Dispose  us,  day  by  day,  to  give  all  diligence  to 
add  to  our  faith  virtue,  and  to  virtue  knowledge, 
and  to  knowledge  temperance,  and  to  temperance 
brotherly  kindness,  and  to  brotherly  kindness 
charity. 

Grant  that  these,  and  all  other  heavenly  dispo- 
sitions, may  be  in  us,  and  abound,  that  so  we 
may  be  neither  idle  nor  unfruitful  in  the  know- 
ledge of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Bless  us  in  that  state  of  life  in  which  thy  good 
providence  hath  placed  us. 

We  are  troubled,  O  Lord,  about  many  things, 
and  disquiet  ourselves  in  vain.  Give  us  faith  to 
cast  all  our  care  upon  thee,  who  carest  for  us ; 
believing  that  thou,  who  hast  not  spared  thy  only 
Son,  but  hast  delivered  him.  up  for  us  all,  wilt, 
with  him  also,  freely  give  us  all  things. 

Prepare  us  for  the  various  changes  of  this 
mortal  life;  and  lead  us,  in  every  visitation,  to 
see  thy  hand,  and  submit  to  thy  will. 

Teach  us,  in  whatever  state  we  are,  therewith 
to  be  content.  May  we  know  how  to  be  abased, 
and  how  to  abound;  every  where,  and  in  all 
things,  do  thou  instruct  us  both  to  be  full,  and  to 
be  hungry;  both  to  abound,  and  to  suffer  need; 
and  in  all  the  ways  of  thy  good  providence  to 
laud  and  magnify  thy  hol}'^  name. 

Have  pity,  O  God  of  mercy,  on  the  whole 
world.  Extend  thy  compassions  on  every  side. 
Bring  nigh  unto  thee,  by  the  blood  of  the  cross, 
those  who  are  now  afar  off. 

Regard  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men. 

Preserve  those  who  are  rich  in  this  world's 


FRIDAY  EVENING.  39 

gooJs,  that  they  trust  not  in  uncertain  riches,  but 
in  thee,  tlie  living  God;  and  may  make  to  them- 
selves friends  of  the  mammon  of  unrighteousness. 

Grant  that  the  poor  of  this  world  may  be  rich 
in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the  kingdom  which  thou  hast 
promised  to  them  that  love  thee. 

Save  and  defend  all  the  faithful  in  Christ  Jesus. 
Holy  Father,  keep  through  thine  own  name  those 
whom  thou  hast  given  him,  that  they  all  may  be 
one,  as  thou.  Father,  art  in  him,  and  he  in  thee; 
that  they  also  may  be  one,  even  as  ye  are  one. 

Comfort  the  afflicted;  succour  the  tempted; 
strengthen  the  weak;  instruct  the  ignorant;  and 
reclaim  the  wandering. 

Lastly,  we  beseech  thee  to  give  unto  our  dear 
friends,  and  to  all  others  for  whom  we  wish  more 
especially  to  pray,  that  godliness  which  is  profit- 
able unto  all  things:  having  the  promise  of  the 
life  that  now  is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come. 

These  mercies,  for  them,  for  us,  and  for  all 
mankind,  we  humbly  beg  in  the  name,  and 
through  the  mediation,  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  most 
blessed  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Our  Father^  ^c.      The  peace  of  God,  Sfc. 


FRIDAY  EVENING. 

O  THOU  Shepherd  of  Israel,  who  neither  slum- 
berest  nor  sleepest,  mercifully  regard  us  who  are 
now  assembled  together  to  commit  ourselves  to 
thy  care  and  keeping  through  this  night. 

The  darkness  is  no  darkness  with  thee;  but 


40  FIRST  WEEK. 

the  night  is  as  clear  as  the  clay:  the  darkness  anrl 
the  light  to  thee  are  both  alike. 

We  acknowledge  ourselves  unworthy  of  thy 
protection.  Like  sheep  we  have  gone  astray, 
and  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own  way ;  and 
thou  mightest  justly  leave  us  to  eat  of  the  fruit 
thereof,  and  to  be  filled  with  our  own  devices. 

But  we  flee  unto  thee,  thou  good  Shepherd, 
who  hast  given  thy  life  for  the  sheep.  Surely 
thou  hast  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our 
sorrows.  Thou  wast  wounded  for  our  trans- 
gressions, and  bruised  for  our  iniquities;  and  the 
Lord  hath  laid  upon  thee  the  iniquity  of  us  all.- 
For  thine  own  sake,  therefore,  we  beseech  thee 
to  have  mercy  upon  us.  Though  we  have  been 
as  sheep  going  astray,  incline  us  to  return  unto* 
thee,  the  Shepherd  and  the  Bishop  of  our  souls. 

^¥e  look  up  unto  thee  for  guidance,  preserva- 
tion, and  strength.  Lead  us  in  the  paths  of 
righteousness  for  thy  truth's  sake.  Keep  us  in 
the  way  in  which  we  should  go  ;  and  guide  us 
with  thine  eye.  Give  unto  us  eternal  life,  and 
let  us  never  perish;  neither  let  any  one  pluck  us 
out  of  thy  hand. 

Be  thou.  Lord,  our  Shepherd,  and  we  shall 
want  nothing.  Let  thy  loving-kindness  and 
mercy  follow  us  all  the  days  of  our  life.  When 
we  pass  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of 
death,  be  thou  still  with  us.  Let  thy  rod  and 
staff  comfort  and  support  us.  And  graciously 
receive  us  at  the  last  into  thy  heavenly  fold ; 
there,  with  th}^  people  and  the  sheep  of  thy  pasture, 
to  give  thee  thanks  for  ever. 

O  thou,  who  feedest  thy  flock  like  a  shepherd, 
guide  and  protect  thy  helpless  sheep,  scattered 


FRIDAY  EVENING.  41 

abroad  through  the  wilderness  of  this  world. 
Mercifully  guard  them  from  those  who  lie  in  wait 
to  deceive:  and  jrarticularly  from  that  roaring 
lion  which  goeth  alDout  seeking  whom  he  may  de- 
vour. Keep  them  by  thy  mighty  power;  and  let 
nothing  separate  them  from  tliy  everlasting  love. 

Gather  the  lambs  in  tliy  arms,  and  carry  them 
in  thy  bosom ;  and  say  unto  them,  Fear  not,  little 
flock,  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to  give  you 
the  kingdom. 

And  grant,  that,  as  one  fold  under  one  shep- 
herd, they  may  learn  of  thee,  who  art  meek  and 
lowly  in  heart,  to  dwell  together  in  peace  and 
love. 

O  thou  who  didst  come  to  seek  and  to  save  that 
which  was  lost,  look  with  an  eye  of  pity  upon 
those  who  are  still  as  sheep  going  astray;  espe- 
cially on  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel. 
Bring  them  home,  blessed  Lord,  to  thy  flock,  that 
they  may  be  saved  among  the  remnant  of  the  true 
Israelites. 

Impart  wisdom  and  faithfulness  unto  those  who 
are  appointed  to  watch  over  thy  fold.  Let  there 
be  none  among  them  who  are  hirelings,  and  care 
not  for  the  sheep.  But  raise  up  pastors  accord- 
ing to  thy  heart,  who  shall  seek  that  which  is  lost, 
and  bring  again  that  which  is  driven  away,  and 
bind  up  that  which  is  broken,  and  strengthen  that 
which  is  weak.  May  they  take  heed  to  themselves, 
and  to  all  the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost 
hath  made  them  overseers,  to  feed  the  Church  of 
God,  which  he  purchased  with  his  blood;  that 
when  thou,  the  Chief  Shepherd,  shalt  appear, 
the}'  may  receive,  at  thy  hands,  a  crown  of  glory 
that  fadeth  not  away. 


42  FlftST  WEEK. 

We  bless  thee,  O  Lord,  for  the  peace  and 
pFOt-ection  which  thou  affordest  us  in  this  favoured 
land*  Truly  thou  makest  us  to  lie  down  in  green 
pastures,  and  leadest  us  beside  the  still  waters. 
Let  not  our  wanderings  provoke  thee  to  withdraw 
thy  mercies  from  us.  Do  thou  always  set  over 
us  one,  like  thy  servant  David,  who  will  be  a 
nursing  father  to  thy  Church,  a  faithful  shepherd 
to  the  Israel  of  God. 

Hear  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  these  our  prayers 
and  praises,  which  we  now  conlcude  in  the  words 
which  we  have  been  taught  to  u^e  at  the  tlirone 
of  grace. 

bur  Father,  S^c,     The  peace  of  God,  Sfc. 


SATURDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  by  whose 
kind  providence  the  darkness  of  night  is  turned 
to  the  light  of  day,  look  down  upon  us,  thy 
humble  servants,  wha  are  assembled  together  to 
praise  thee  for  thy  goodness,  and  to  implore  the 
continuance  of  thy  fatherly  protection. 

Surely  we  are  bound  to  love  and  serve  thee 
ever  more  and  more.  Thy  daily  mercies  are 
daily  calls  to  gratitude  and  obedience. 

But  we  must  acknowledge,  most  gracious  God, 
that  day  testifieth  unto  day,  and  night  unto  night, 
that  thou  art  good  and  kind  to  the  unthankful  and 
the  evil.  Pardon,  O  Lord,  our  unworthiness  of 
thy  favours,  and  the  coldness  of  our  hearts  in 
proclaiming  them. 

We  bless  thee  for  thy  patience  and  forbearauccj 


SATURDAY  MORNING.  43 

"in  bringing  us,  notwithstantling  our  sins  and  in- 
gratitude, to  tlie  beginning  of  another  day. 

We  come  before  thee  in  the  name  of  Jesus, 
the  friend  of  sinners,  and  our  advocate  with  thee. 
Tiirough  him  we  hravo  received  all  our  good 
things;  and  throtigh  him,  we  beseech  thee  to 
continue  them  to  us,  unworthy  as  we  are,  and 
over  sliall  be,  of  the  least  of  them.  He  is  worthy 
that  thou  shouldest  be  entreated  of  by  us.  For 
his  sake,  therefore,  O  Lord,  hear  and  answer.; 
look  down  and  save. 

And  for  his  sake,  also,  bestow  upon  us  not 
only  the  bounties  of  thy  providence,  but  the  richer 
blessings  of  thy  grace.  Without  these,  what  good 
will  our  life  do  us?  We  shall  but  walk  in  a  vain 
sliadow,  and  disquiet  ourselves  in  vain.  Preserve 
«ot  only  our  frail  bodies  from  day  to  day;  but, 
above  all,  have  compassion  on  our  guilty  souls, 
and  cheer  them  with  the  liglit  of  thy  countenance. 

Blot  out,  as  a  cloud,  our  transgressions,  and, 
as  the  thickness  of  the  morning  cloud,  our  sins. 

Grant  unto  us,  we  beseech  thee,  pardon  and 
peace;  that  we  may  be  cleansed  from  all  our 
sins,  and  serve  thee  with  a  quiet  mind. 

O  Lord,  our  only  Mediator  and  Redeemer, 
vHio  makest  intercession  for  the  traaisgressors, 
maintain  thou  our  cause  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
Majesty  on  high.  Intercede  day  and  night  for 
-US,  miserable  sinners.  Plead  the  efficacy  of  thine 
own  most  precious  blood,  O  thou  beloved  of  the 
.Father,  for  with  thee  he  is  always  well  pleased. 

Eternal  Spirit  of  the  Father  and  of  the  Sor, 
the  Author  and  Giver  of  life,  lead  us  into  all  truth. 
.Convince  us  of  sin.  Take  of  the  things  of  Christ, 
amd  show  them  unto  us.     Let  thy  grace  distil  into 


44  FIRST  WEEK. 

our  hearts  as  the  early  dew,  to  quicken  us  in  the 
way  of  life. 

O  blessed  and  glorious  Trinity,  enable  us  to  go 
forth  in  thy  strength  to  the  duties  of  our  various 
callings;  Put  thy  fear  within  us,  that  we  may  be 
kept  from  offending  thee.  Give  unto  us  the 
meekness  and  gentleness  of  Christ.  Make  us 
Israelites  indeed,  in  whom  is  no  guile.  Keep  us 
out  of  the  way  of  temptation,  or  support  us  in  the 
time  of  trial.  Help  us  to  look  well  to  our  ways, 
and  to  watch  over  our  hearts  with  holy  jealousy. 

May  we  be  utterly  purposed  that  our  mouth 
shall  not  offend,  showing  out  of  a  good  conversa- 
tion our  works  with  meekness  of  wisdom. 

Preserve  ever  in  our  minds  a  lively  remem- 
brance of  that  day,  when  the  throne  shall  be  set, 
and  the  books  shall  be  opened,  and  every  one  of 
us  shall  give  account  of  himself  to  thee.  And 
grant,  O  thou  Judge  of  men,  that,  in  all  our 
thoughts,  words,  and  works,  we  may  so  learn  to 
judge  ourselves,  that  we  be  not  judged  of  thee, 
in  that  great  and  terrible  day. 

Be  pleased,  O  God  of  mercy,  to  prepare  our 
fellow- creatures,  as  well  as  ourselves,  to  stand  be- 
fore the  Son  of  man. 

We  pray  for  all  to  whom  thou  hast  committed 
a  dispensation  of  thy  Gospel,  and  the  message  of 
reconciliation.  O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who,  at  thy 
first  coming,  didst  send  thy  m^essenger  to  prepare 
thy  way  before  thee,  grant  that  the  ministers 
and  stewards  of  thy  mysteries  may  likewise  so 
prepare  and  make  ready  thy  way,  by  turning  the 
hearts  of  the  disobedient  to  the  wisdom  of  the  just, 
that,  at  thy  second  comins^  to  judge  the  world,  we 
may  be  found  an  acceptable  people  in  thy  sight. 


SATURDAY  EVENING.  45 

We  pray  for  our  fellow-men.;  particularly  for 
our  neighbours,  our  friends,  and  our  relations. 
.Grant  unto  them  such  a  measure  of  thy  grace, 
that  they,  running  the  way  of  thy  commandments, 
may  obtain  thy  gracious  promises;  and,  together 
with  us,  may  be  made  partakers  of  thy  heavenly 
-treasures. 

We  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  who  hast 
promised  to  hear  the  petitions  of  them  that  ask  in 
thy  Son's  name,  mercifully  to  incline  thine  ear 
Jimto  us,  who  have  now  made  our  prayers  and 
supplications  unto  thee;  and  grant,  that  those 
things  which  we  have  faithfully  asked  accordiiv:^ 
to  thy  will,  may  effectually  be  obtained,  to  tl-^ 
j*elief  of  our  necessity,  and  to  the  setting  forth  uf 
.thy  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father^  Sfc,      The  peace  of  God ^  S^^c, 


SATURDAY  EVENING. 

AliMighty  and  merciful  God,  who,  by  thy  power 
and  goodness,  hast  preserved  us  to  the  evening  of 
this  day,  accept  our  thanks  for  all  the  blessings  of 
the  same:  humble  us  before  thee  for  all  our  sins; 
and  favourably  receive  thy  unworthy  servants, 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ. 

We  confess,  O  Lord,  that  we  have  not  given 
unto  thee  that  tribute  of  gratitude  and  love  which 
is  most  justly  due  unto  thy  name.-  We  have  ill 
requited  thee  for  all  thy  goodness,  as  a  foolish 
people  and  unwise;  and  have  not  rendered  back 
unto  thee  according  to  the  benefits  whic'i  'thou 
Aast  done  unto  us.  Though  thou  art  our  Father, 
5* 


46  FIRST  WEEK. 

who  hast  made  us,  and  hought  us,  and  established 
us,  and  blessed  us  all  our  days,  yet  have  we  not 
regarded  the  wonders  which  thy  hand  hath 
wrought,  neither  have  we  kept  thy  great  goodness 
in  remembrance.  We  have  sinned  against  thee, 
as  rebellious  children.  We  have  done  amiss, 
and  dealt  wickedly;  and  have  gone  on  frowardly 
in  the  way  of  our  own  heart. 

But  we  are  encouraged  to  present  ourselves 
before  thee,  laden  as  we  are  with  the  guilt  of  all 
the  sins  of  this  week,  and  of  our  past  lives;  for 
thou  art  long-suffering  and  of  great  pity,  forgiv- 
ing iniquity,  and  transgression,  and  sin.  Pardon 
us,  therefore,  O  Lord,  according  to  the  multitude 
of  thy  mercies.  Have  regard  unto  him  who  knew 
no  sin,  and  was  made  a  sin-offering  for  us,  that 
we  might  be  made  thy  righteousness  in  him. 
Look  upon  Jesus,  the  Son  of  David,  the  Son  of 
thy  love.  Lord,  remember  him,  and  all  his 
troubles.  Remember  his  offering,  and  accept  his 
sacrifice.  Turn  not  away  the  face  of  thine 
Anointed,  who,  by  his  own  blood,  is  entered  into 
heaven  itself,  and  now  appeareth  in  thy  presence 
for  us.  Hear  us,  we  pray  thee,  for  his  sake, 
and  for  the  glory  of  thy  name. 

Another  week  of  our  life  is  closing ;  and  our 
last  week  will  soon  come.  Lord,  make  us  to 
know  our  end,  and  the  measure  of  our  days,  that 
we  may  know  how  frail  we  are.  Behold,  thou 
hast  made  our  days  as  it  were  a  span  long;  and 
our  age  is  even  as  nothing  in  respect  of  thee. 
Verily  every  man  living  is  altogether  vanity. 
Ma}^  j(ie  time  that  is  past  suffice  us  to  have  spent 
in  sill  and  forgetfulness  of  thee;  and  may  we 
leara  to  redeem  the  time  that  remains. 


SATURDAY  EVENING.  47 

O  merciful  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life ;  in 
whom  whosoever  believeth  shall  live,  though  he 
die;  and  whosoever  liveth,  and  believeth  in  him, 
shall  not  die  eternally:  we  meekly  beseech  thee, 
O  Father,  to  raise  us  from  the  death  of  sin  unto 
the  life  of  righteousness  ;  that,  when  we  shall  de- 
part this  life,  we  may  rest  in  thee;  and,  at  the 
general  resurrection  in  the  last  day,  may  be  found 
an  acceptable  people  in  thy  sight;  and  receive 
that  blessing  which  thy  well-beloved  Son  shall 
then  pronounce  to  all  that  love  and  fear  thee; 
sa3Mng,  Come,  ye  blessed  children  of  my  Father, 
receive  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the 
beginning  of  the  world. 

We  sinners  do  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  O  Lord 
God;  and  that  it  may  please  thee  to  rule  and 
govern  thy  holy  Church  Universal  in  the  right 
way.  Keep  it,  we  beseech  thee,  continually  in 
thy  true  religion ;  that  they  who  do  lean  only 
upon  the  hope  of  thy  heavenly  grace,  may  ever- 
more be  defended  by  thy  mighty  power. 

Four  down  thy  blessing  on  the  ministers  of  thy 
Gospel.  May  those  who  are  appointed  to  teach 
others,  be  themselves  taught  of  thee.  Qualify 
them,  in  all  things,  for  the  work  to  which  thou 
hast  called  them:  that  they  may  be  able,  by 
sound  doctrine,  both  to  exhort  and  to  convince 
the  gainsayers,  and  to  promote  the  edification  of 
thy  believing  people. 

We  pray  thee,  especially,  to  be  gracious  unto 
the  place  in  which  we  live;  to  the  Church  of 
which  we  are  members;  [to  thy  servant  who 
ministcreth  unto  us  in  holy  things;]  and  to  all 
our  beloved  friends  and  neighbours.     Keep  them 


48  FIRST  WEEK. 

and  us,  by  thy  mighty  power,  through  the  hours 
of  darkness;  and  fit  us  for  the  sacred  cniploy- 
jnents  of  thy  Sabbath. 

And  when,  at  the  last,  it  shall  please  thee  to 
gather  us  to  our  fathers,  raise  up  others  in  our 
room,  who  shall  serve  thee  better  than  ourselves; 
that,  from  generation  to  generation,  thy  name 
may  be  glorified  on  the  eartli,  till  days  and  weeks 
shall  be  no  more  for  ever. 

These  things  we  beg  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake; 
who,  with  thee,  O  Father,  and  thee,  O  Holy 
Ghost,  liveth  and  reigneth,  ever  one  God,  world 
without  end. 

Our  Father ^  S^c.     The  peace  of  God,  Sfc. 


THE  END  OF  THE  FIRST  WEEIv. 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 


SBCOITD    WBBX. 


Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed 
be  thy  name  ;  thy  kingdom  come  ;  thy  will 
be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven ;  give 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread ;  and  forgive  us 
our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who 
trespass  against  us ;  and  lead  us  not  into 
temptation ;  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  for 
thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and 
the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

The  Lord  bless  us,  and  keep  us  !  The 
Lord  make  his  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and 
be  gracious  unto  us!  The  Lord  lift  up 
the  light  of  his  countenance  upon  us,  and 
give  us  peace,  both  now  and  evermore! 
Amen. 


FAMILY   PRAYKRS. 


SECOND  WEEK, 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  Lord^  in  whom  we  live,  and  move, 
and  have  our  being,  we  adore  thee  as  the  God  of 
our  life,  and  the  length  of  our  days. 

We  bless  thy  name  for  preserving  us  to  see 
another  day  of  sacred  rest.  We  rejoice  in  the 
return  of  this  holy  Sabbath,  on  which  the  Sun  of 
Righteousness  hath  risen  with  healing  in  his  wings, 
to  give  light  to  them  that  sit  in  darkness  and  the 
shadow  of  death,  to  guide  our  feet  into  the  way 
of  peace. 

O  thou  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Father  of  glory,  let  not  this  light  shine 
in  darkness,  and  the  darkness  comprehend  it  not ; 
but  let  it  shine  into  our  hearts,  to  give  us  the  light 
df  the  knowledge  of  thy  glory  in  the  face  of  Jesus 
Christ.  Enlighten  the  eyes  of  our  understanding, 
that  we  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  our  calling, 
and  what  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  thine  inherit- 
ance in  the  saints,  and  what  is  the  exceeding 
greatness  of  thy  power  to  those  who  believe. 

We  look  up  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  from  whom 
all  good  things  do  come,  for  thy  blessing  on  this 
day,  which  thou  hast  set  apaU  for  thyself* 


52  SECOND    WEEK. 

Grant  that  it  may  be  a  season  of  refreshing  from 
thy  presence;  a  day  of  visitation  and  mercy  to 
our  souls.  Shut  out  from  our  minds  all  worldly 
cares  and  thoughts ;  and  fill  us  with  all  holy  de- 
sires and  meditations ;  that  we  may  sanctify  thee, 
the  Lord  God,  in  our  hearts. 

Go  with  us  to  the  courts  of  thy  sanctuary ;  and 
make  us  joyful  in  thy  house  of  prayer.  Prepare 
our  minds  for  the  good  word  of  thy  grace.  Dis- 
pose us  to  receive  it  widi  meekness,  not  as  the 
word  of  man,  but,  as  it  is  in  truth,  thy  ingrafted 
word,  which  is  able  to  save  our  souls. 

Help  us  to  pray  with  the  spirit,  and  with  the 
understanding  also.  May  we  not  be  of  the  num- 
ber of  those  who  draw  nigh  unto  thee  with  their 
mouths,  and  honour  thee  with  their  lips,  while 
their  heart  is  far  from  thee;  but  make  us  thy 
true  and  faithful  worshippers,  who  worship  thee 
in  spirit  and  in  truth;  such  as  thou  seekest  to 
glorify  thee  on  earth,  and  such  as  thou  wilt 
mercifully  receive  to  glorify  thee  hereafter,  in 
thy  temple  above,  in  thy  house  not  made  with 
hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

Let  a  double  portion  of  thy  Spirit  rest  on  those 
whom  thou  hast  appointed  to  preach  the  Gospel 
of  thy  grace ;  [especially  on  him  who  is  over  us 
in  the  Lord.]  May  they  study  to  show  them- 
selves approved  unto  thee,  workmen  that  need 
not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of 
truth,  and  e;iving  to  every  one  his  portion  in  due 
season.  Make  them  wise  to  win  souls;  and, 
having  turned  many  unto  righteousness,  may  they 
themselves  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firma- 
ment, and  as  the  stars,  for  ever  and  ever. 

Shed  abroad  abundantly  thy  heavenly  grace  on 


SUNDAY  MORNING.  5J 

all  congregations  of  Christians;  particularly  on 
that  which  shall  assemble  with  us  in  the  same 
house  of  prayer.  Awaken  the  careless:  bind  up 
the  broken-hearted;  strengthen  the  weak;  and 
build  up  all  thy  servants  in  their  most  holy  faith. 

We  pray,  also,  ih  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem.  Grant  that 
there  may  be  no  divisions  among  us.  Tteach  us 
to  speak  the  same  thing,  and  to  be  perfectly 
joined  together  in  the  same  mind,  and  in  the  same 
judgment ;  that  it  may  be  seen  that  thou  art  in 
the  midst  of  us,  the  Author,  not  of  confusion,  but 
of  peace,  as  in  all  the  churches  of  the  saints. 

Be  likewise  pleased,  O  God  of  mercy,  to  give 
thy  Sabbaths  as  a  covenant  between  thee  and  all 
people. 

Pity  and  convert  those  who  have  them,  but 
improve  them  not  to  their  own  advantage  and 
the  honour  of  thy  name. 

And  grant  that  every  return  of  this  hallowed 
day  may  be  the  means  of  furthering  thy  glorj^, 
and  the  everlasting  salvation  of  the  souls  of  men. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  of  thy  great  good- 
ness, to  give  heed  unto  these  our  prayers  for 
ourselves  and  others,  and  hide  not  thyself  from 
our  supplications. 

And  mercifully  hear  us,  while  we  further  call 
upon  thee,  in  the  name  and  in  the  words  of  him 
who  hath  taught  and  commanded  us  thus  to 
pray:— 

Our  Fatliei\  S^^c.     The  Lord  bless  us,  ^c» 


54  SECOND  weekI 


SUNDAY  EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  our  Creator  and  Preserver,  look 
down,  we  beseech  thee,  on  !*\\e  work  of  thy  hands, 
and  regard  with  compassion  thy  sinful  creatures, 
whom  thy  mercy  hath  brought  in  safety  to  the 
evening  of  this  sacred  day. 

We  appear  in  the  presence  of  thy  glorious 
Majesty,  desiring  to  renew  the  tribute  of  prayer 
and  thanksgiving  which  thou  hast  permitted  us 
to  offer  in  thy  holy  temple  among  the  congrega- 
tion of  thy  people. 

Be  thou  now  in  the  midst  of  us,  as  in  the  as- 
sembly of  thy  saints,  hearing  us  and  answering 
us,  in  thy  tender  mercies,  for  the  sake  of  thy 
Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Most  holy  and  merciful  God,  we  humble  our- 
selves before  thee  with  shame  and  sorrow,  for 
the  many  offences  which  we  have  most  grievouslj 
committed  against  thee.  Remember  them  not, 
we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord;  neither  take  thoia 
vengeance  of  our  sins;  but  spare  us,  good  Lord, 
spare  thy  people  whom  thou  hast  redeemed  watih 
thy  most  precious  blood,  and  be  not  angry  with 
«s  for  ever. 

Especially  we  entreat  thy  fatherly  forgiveness 
of  all  which  thou  hast  seen  amiss  in  us  this  d^ay. 
Pardon  us,  good  Lord,  that  we  have  not  wor- 
shipped thee,  served  thee,  or  obeyed  thee,  as  we 
ought  to  do.  Forgive  the  wanderings  of  our 
minds,  the  coldness  of  our  hearts,  and  the  un- 
profitableness of  our  best  services. 

And  grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  our  sins, 
negligences,  and  ignorances,  may  not  withhold 


SUNDAY  EVENING.  5o 

good  things  from  us,  nor  cause  the  purposes  of 
thy  mercy  towards  us  to  fail. 

Suffer  not  this  Sabbath  to  pass  away  without 
awakening  in  us  more  earnest  desires  after 
heavenly  things.  Let  the  Eternal  Spirit  keep 
alive  in  our  hearts  the  holy  flame  which  may  have 
been  kindled  in  the  courts  of  thy  sanctuary. 

May  the  words  which  we  have  this  day  heard 
with  our  outward  ears,  through  thy  grace,  be  so 
inwardly  ingrafted  in  all  our  hearts,  that  they 
may  bring  forth  in  us  the  fruit  of  good  living,  to 
the  honour  and  praise  of  thy  holy  name. 

Keep  us  this  night  by  thy  power  and  goodness. 
Let  the  angel  of  the  covenant  watch  over  our 
beds,  and  protect  us  from  all  danger.  Give  unto 
us,  as  unto  thy  beloved,  peaceful  and  refreshing 
sleep;  and  grant  that  we  may  awake  in  the 
morning,  strengthened,  both  in  body  and  soul, 
for  the  various  duties  of  the  week. 

Let  our  prayers  also  come  up  before  thee  in 
behalf  of  our  fellow-creatures,  and  fellow-chris- 
tians. 

O  merciful  God,  who  hast  made  all  men,  and 
hatest  nothing  that  thou  hast  made,  nor  wouldest 
the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he  should 
be  converted  and  live,  have  mercy  on  all  Jews, 
Turks,  Infidels,  and  Heretics:  take  from  them 
all  ignorance,  hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt  of 
thy  word ;  and  so  fetch  them  home,  blessed  Lord, 
to  thy  flock,  that  they  may  be  saved  among  the 
remnant  of  the  true  Israelites,  and  be  made  one 
fold  under  one  Shepherd,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Regard  with  thy  favour  and  protection  every 
church  which  thou  hast  planted  in  the  eartli. 
Return,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord  of  hosts,  look 


56  SECOND  WEEK. 

down  from  heaven,  behold  and  visit  the  vineyard 
which  thy  right  hand  hath  planted,  and  the 
branch  which  thou  hast  made  so  strong  for  thy- 
self. 

And  give  us  grace,  we  earnestly  beseech  thee, 
O  thou  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
our  only  Saviour,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  seriously 
to  lament  our  unhappy  divisions.  Take  away 
all  hatred  and  prejudice,  and  whatever  else  may 
hinder  us  from  godly  union  and  concord  ;  that  as 
there  is  but  one  body  and  one  spirit,  one  hope 
of  our  calling,  one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism, 
one  God  and  Father  of  us  all,  so  we  may  hence- 
forth be  all  of  one  heart  and  of  one  soul,  united 
in  one  holy  bond  of  truth  and  peace,  of  faith  and 
love,  and  may  with  one  mind  and  one  mouth 
glorify  thee  on  earth ;  and,  at  length,  through  thy 
mercy,  join  in  one  eternal  song  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving,  with  the  blessed  company  of  saints 
and  angels  that  are  continually  before  thy  throne. 

Finally,  we  beseech  thee  to  receive  our  praises 
for  the  manifold  mercies  which  we  have  received 
from  thee  this  day:  and  grant  these  requests  for 
ourselves,  and  for  all  whom  thou  hast  taught  us 
to  love  as  ourselves,  for  the  honour  and  praise  of 
thy  holy  name,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father,  ^"c.      The  Lord  bless  us,  Sfc. 


MONDAY  MORNUVG. 

O  God,  who  makest  the  outgoings  of  the  morning 
and  evening  to  praise  thee,  accept  our  hearty 
thanksgivings  for  the  blessings  of  the  past  night. 


MONDAV  MORNING.  57 

We  have  lain  down  and  slept,  and  are  now 
assembled  together  to  acknowledge  that  it  is  thou 
only  who  makest  us  continually  to  dwell  in 
safety* 

Thou  art  the  God  of  our  life:  day  by  day  will 
we  direct  our  prayer  unto  thee,  and  look  up. 
Hear  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  the  multitude  of 
thy  mercies,  in  the  truth  of  thy  salvation,  for  the 
sake  of  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

The  holy  rest  of  the  Sabbath  is  gone  by,  and 
we  are  now  entering  on  the  duties  of  our  various 
callings  in  which  thy  providence  hath  placed  us. 

Grant,  Lord,  that  the  day  which  is  past  may 
slied  its  hallowed  influence  on  this  day,  and  on 
all  the  days  of  the  week.  Give  us  grace  to 
engage  in  the  cares  and  business  of  life  with  fear 
and  trembling,  as  those  who  know  the  deceit- 
fulness  of  sin,  and  the  weakness  of  our  mortal 
nature. 

Keep  us  from  the  evil  that  is  in  the  world. 
Give  us  that  faith  which  will  enable  us  to  over- 
come its  various  temptations,  to  renounce  its 
pomps  and  vanities,  to  withstand  its  allurements, 
and  to  disregard  its  frowns.  And  grant  that  we, 
being  regenerate  and  made  thy  children  by  adop- 
tion and  grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  thy 
Holy  Spirit.  Grant,  that  having  been  received 
into  the  congregation  of  Christ's  flock,  and  pro- 
fessing ourselves  his  disciples,  we  may  not  be 
ashamed  to  confess  the  faith  of  Christ  crucified, 
and  manfully  to  fight  under  his  banner,  against 
sin,  the  world,  and  the  devil,  and  to  continue  his 
faithful  soldiers  and  servants  unto  our  lives'  end. 

We  acknowledge,  O  God,  that,  after  former 
Sabbaths,  our  vows  and  resolutions  have  too  often 
6* 


58  SECOND  WEEK. 

been  forgotten,  and  have  passed  away  like  the 
morning  cloud  and  the  early  dew.  Strengthen, 
therefore,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  the  holy 
thoughts  and  desires  which  may  have  been  pro- 
duced  in  our  minds.  Enable  us  to  show  our 
sincere  gratitude  to  thee  for  thy  day  of  rest,  by 
causing  our  profiting  to  appear  unto  all  men. 

Make  us  of  good  understanding  in  the  ways  of 
godliness.  Subdue  the  workings  of  our  evil 
hearts.  Preserve  us  from  pride  and  envy,  from 
hatred  and  malice,  from  murmurings  and  disput- 
ings,  from  covetousness  and  dishonesty,  from 
selfishness  and  idleness,  from  unchristian  tempers 
and  impure  desires,  and  from  all  hurtful  lusts 
that  war  against  the  soul. 

Pardon  and  correct  whatever  is  sinful  in  us; 
strengthen  what  is  weak;  confirm  what  is  wa- 
vering; supply  what  is  wanting;  and  make  us 
thoroughly  furnished  unto  every  good  word  and 
work. 

But  without  thee  we  can  do  nothing.  Direct 
us,  therefore,  O  Lord,  in  all  our  doings,  with  thy 
most  gracious  favour,  and  further  us  with  thy 
continual  help,  that  in  all  our  works  begun,  con- 
tinued, and  ended  in  thee,  we  may  glorify  thy 
holy  name  ;  and  finally,  by  thy  mercy,  obtain 
everlasting  life. 

Sanctify,  we  beseech  thee,  the  means  of  grace 
to  all  those  who  attended  them  yesterday.  Water 
the  seed  which  was  sown  with  the  dew  of  thy 
blessing ;  that,  being  received  into  an  honest  and 
good  heart,  it  may  bring  forth  fruit  abundantly. 

Preserve  such  as  are  more  especially  dear  to 
us,  from  being  overcharged  with  the  cares  of  this 
life.     May  they  show  by  their  conduct  that  they 


MONDAY  EVENING.  59 

have  profited  by  the  ordinances  of  thy  house, 
and  have  not  received  thy  grace  in  vain. 

Pity  and  convert  those  who  profess  to  know 
thee,  but  in  works  deny  thee  ;  and  dispose  them, 
in  future,  to  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  where- 
with they  are  called. 

Give  thy  blessing  unto  all  whom  thou  hast  set 
over  the  congregations  of  thy  people  ;  [especially 
to  him  whom  thou  hast  set  over  us.]  Strengthen 
their  hands,  and  comfort  their  hearts.  Keep 
them  steadfast  in  the  faith  of  Christ,  and  zealous 
in  the  cause  of  thee,  their  God :  and  may  they, 
and  we,  and  all  their  people,  be  accepted  of  thee 
at  the  last,  through  the  full,  perfect,  and  suflTicient 
sacrifice,  oblation,  and  satisfaction  of  the  same 
Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Mediator  and  Redeemer. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.      Tht  Lord  bless  us,  S^c. 


MONDAY  EVENING. 

Most  merciful  God  and  Father,  who  hast  safely 
preserved  us  through  another  day,  and  loaded  us 
with  thy  benefits,  we  are  assembled  together  to 
acknowledge  thy  over-ruling  providence,  which 
ordereth  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth;  which 
appointeth  the  moon  for  certain  seasons,  and  the 
sun  to  know  his  going  down. 

Accept  our  united  and  hearty  thanks  for  still 
holding  our  souls  in  life,  and  for  turning  away 
from  us  this  day  all  those  evils  which  we  have 
most  justly  deserved.  We  confess  that  we  have 
forfeited,  by  our  manifold  transgressions,  every 
claim  to  thy  fatherly  protection  in  the  present 


60  SECOND  WEEK. 

life,  and  have  rendered  ourselves  altogether  un- 
worthy of  the  blessings  of  the  life  that  is  to  come. 

But,  notwithstanding  our  guilt  and  unworthi- 
ness,  we  would  still  look  up  to  thee  in  the  name 
of  that  Mediator,  through  whose  all-prevailing 
merits  we  may  yet  have  boldness  to  come  into 
thy  presence,  and  to  ask  for  every  thing  that  is 
necessary,  as  well  for  the  body  as  the  soul. 
Though  thou  hearest  not  sinners  for  their  own 
sake,  yet  him  thou  hearest  always;  and  wilt 
favourably  hear,  for  his  sake,  those  who  are  un- 
worthy to  be  heard  for  their  own. 

Now,  therefore,  O  Lord  our  God,  hearken  to 
the  prayers  of  thy  humble  servants.  Mercifully 
regard  us,  while  we  draw  nigh  by  that  new  and 
living  way  which  is  consecrated  for  us  through 
his  blood,  not  presenting  ourselves  before  thee 
for  our  righteousness,  but  for  thy  manifold  and 
great  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servants  for 
having  so  little  profited  by  the  many  privileges 
of  thy  Sabbath,  and  for  not  having  manifested 
more  of  the  power  of  thy  ordinances  in  the  duties 
of  the  past  day.  Have  mercy  upon  us,  O  God, 
have  mercy  upon  us,  according  to  thy  loving- 
kindness;  according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  ten- 
der mercies,  blot  out  our  transgressions.  Wash 
us  thoroughly  from  our  iniquity,  and  cleanse  us 
from  all  our  sin. 

Pardon  our  want  of  love  to  thee,  and  our  un- 
due love  of  this  present  world.  Truly  our  soul 
too  much  cleaveth  to  the  dust.  Quicken  thou  us, 
O  Lord,  according  to  thy  word,  and  let  the  love 
of  thee  only  rule  and  direct  our  hearts. 

Forgive,  also,  our  many  oflences  against  our 


MONDAY  EVENING. 


61 


neighbour;    and  help  us   in   future   to   do  unto 
others  as  we  would  they  should  do  unto  us. 

O  Lord,  who  hast  taught  us  that  all  our  doings, 
without  charity,  are  nothing  worth,  send  thy 
Holy  Ghost,  and  pour  into  our  hearts  that  most 
excellent  gilt  of  charity,  the  very  bond  of  peace 
and  of  all  virtues;  without  which  whosoever  liveth 
is  counted  dead  before  thee. 

Let  not  the  sun  ever  go  down  or  rise  upon  our 
wrath,  but  give  us  more  of  that  spirit  which 
thinketh  no  evil,  which  beareth  all  things,  be- 
iicveth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all 
things,  and  disposeth  us  to  cover  a  multitude  of 
sins. 

Blot  out,  likewise,  the  offences  which  we  daily 
commit  against  thee  and  against  each  other,  as 
members  of  the  same  household :  and  do  thou,  O 
God  of  peace,  deliver  us  from  every  practice 
which  may  prevent  our  dwelling  together  as 
brethren,  and  as  heirs  together  of  the  grace  of 
life. 

Enable  us  to  watch  over  our  hearts,  that  we 
be  not  easily  provoked,  except  unto  love  and  to 
good  works.  Remove  wickedness  utterly  out  of 
our  dwelling,  and  from  among  us.  Give  us  grace 
to  come  before  thee  with  clean  hands  and  a  pure 
heart ;  and  let  no  secret  or  open  abominations 
prevent  our  prayers  from  being  accepted  by 
thee. 

And  now,  O  Lord,  before  we  lie  down  and 
take  our  rest,  suffer  us  to  commend,  not  only 
ourselves,  but  all  others,  to  thy  covenanted  mer- 
cies in  Christ  Jesus. 

Look  in  compassion  on  a  fallen  world.  Turn 
sinners  from  the  error  of  their  ways. 


62  SECOND  WEEK. 

Look,  also,  upon  thy  Church  and  people. 
Pardon  and  heal  our  many  divisions  ;  and  teach 
Christians  to  love  one  another,  even  as  they  are 
loved  of  thee. 

Comfort  all  who  mourn,  particularly  those  who 
mourn  for  sin.  Give  unto  them  everlasting  con- 
solation, and  good  hope  through  grace. 

Shed  abundantly  thy  blessing  on  those  among 
whom  we  dwell,  and  with  whom  we  are  more 
nearly  connected.  Take  us  and  them  under  thy 
fatherly  protection ;  and  bless  and  keep  us  this 
night  and  for  evermore,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

Our  Father,  4*^.     The  Lord  bless  us,  ^c. 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 

O  God,  who  causest  the  light  to  shine  out  of 
darkness,  and  renewest  the  face  of  the  earth 
which  thou  hast  made  for  man,  the  heavens  de- 
clare thy  glory,  and  the  firmament  showeth  thy 
handy  work.  Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech, 
and  night  unto  night  teacheth  the  knovrledge  of 
thy  power,  thy  wisdom,  and  thy  love. 

Thou,  O  Lord,  art  gracious;  thy  mercy  is 
everlasting,  and  thy  truth  endureth  from  genera- 
tion to  generation.  We  worship,  and  fall  down, 
and  kneel  before  thee ;  for  thou  art  the  Lord  our 
God;  and  we  are  the  people  of  thy  pasture,  and 
the  sheep  of  thy  hand.  Hear  us,  while  we  come 
into  thy  presence  with  thanksgiving,  and  with 
il^e  voice  of  supplication;  for  we  come  in  the 


TUESDAY   MOUNIXG.  63 

name  of  thy  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  our  Me- 
diator and  Redeemer. 

We  praise  tliee,  O  Father  Almighty,  for  the 
many  and  undeserved  comforts  which  thou  hast 
provided  for  us  in  this  mortal  life. 

But,  chiefly,  we  laud  and  magnify  thy  name 
for  the  prospect  of  that  better  world  which  thou 
liast  revealed  to  us,  where  the  sun  doth  not  shine 
for  a  light  by  day,  nor  the  moon  and  stars  for  a 
light  by  night;  but  thou  thyself  art  the  light 
thereof,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lamb  doth  shine 
upon  it. 

Prepare  us,  O  Lord,  for  that  world  of  honour 
and  immortality.  Teach  us  ever  to  remember, 
that  it  is  a  world  wherein  dwelleth  righteousness, 
and  into  which  nothing  can  in  any  wise  enter 
that  defileth. 

Create  in  us  those  heavenly  desires  and  dis- 
positions, which  will  fit  us  for  the  society  and 
enjoyments  of  thy  holy  angels,  and  the  spirits  of 
just  men  made  perfect. 

Put  away  from  us  all  anger,  wrath,  mah'ce. 
pride,  envy,  uncleanness,  inordinate  affection, 
and  evil  concupiscence,  which  is  idolatry.  Clothe 
us  with  meekness,  gentleness,  humility,  charity, 
kindness,  purity.  Grant  that,  as  obedient  chil- 
dren, we  may  not  fashion  ourselves  according  to 
the  former  lusts  in  our  ignorance;  but  as  thou 
who  hast  called  us  art  holy,  so  may  we  be  holy 
in  all  manner  of  conversation  and  godliness. 

We  are  greatly  ashamed,  O  Lord,  that  we 
have  not  been  more  diligent  in  seeking  our 
heavenly  inheritance,  and  have  made  no  better 
progress  in  the  ways  of  godliness. 

We  look  up  unto  thee  this  morning  for  thy 


64  SECOND  WEEK. 

pardoning  mercy  and  thy  sanctifying  grace.  As 
thou  hast  raised  our  bodies  from  sleep,  so  raise 
our  souls  from  their  spiritual  slumbers.  Dispose 
us  more  earnestly  to  seek  thy  kingdom  and 
righteousness.  Stir  us  up  to  the  great  work  that 
lieth  before  us,  and  quicken  us  daily  in  the  way 
of  thy  commandments. 

Let  not  the  pomps  and  vanities  of  this  world 
draw  us  aside,  and  iDeguile  us  into  lukewarmness 
of  spirit.  But  make  us  sober  and  vigilant  against 
all  the  enemies  of  our  salvation ;  es}>eciallj 
against  our  adversary,  the  devil.  Enable  us  to 
resist  him  steadfast  in  the  faith,  nor  ever  suffer 
him  to  get  advantage  over  us. 

Grant  that  we  may  become  very  members 
incorporate  with  the  mystical  body  of  Christ, 
which  is  the  blessed  company  of  all  faithful 
people,  and  be  made  heirs  through  hope  of  thy 
everlasting  kingdom,  by  the  merits  of  the  most 
precious  death  and  passion  of  thy  dear  Son. 

And  we  most  humbly  beseecli  thee,  O  heavenly 
Father,  so  to  assist  us,  from  time  to  time,  by  thy 
grace,  that  we  may  continue  in  that  holy  fellow- 
ship, and  do  all  such  good  works  as  thou  hast 
prepared  for  us  to  walk  in ;  till,  at  length,  we  are 
joined  to  the  general  assembly  of  the  faitliful, 
and  behold  thy  face  in  righteousness. 

Bestow  these   blessings,   we   humbly  beseecJ? 
thee,  on  all  who  partake  of  our  common  nature- 
Teach  thy  ways  unto  the  wicked,  and  lead 
them  to  consider  that  the  unrighteous  shall  not 
inherit  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Bless  thy  faithful  people,  and  make  them  daily 
more  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in 
lidit. 


TUESDAY  EVENING.  65 

Remember  those  who  are  in  any  kind  of 
trouble.  Make  tlieni  thereby  partakers  of  thy 
holiness;  and  comfort  their  hearts  with  the  sure 
and  certain  hope  of  that  blessed  world,  in  which 
thou  wilt  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes: 
where  there  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sor- 
row nor  crying,  neither  shall  there  be  any  more 
pain;  for  the  former  things  shall  have  passed 
away;  where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling, 
and  where  the  weary  are  at  rest. 

Fulfil  now,  O  Lord,  these  our  petitions,  for 
the  honour  and  glory  of  thy  name,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    . 

Our  Father^  Sfc,      The  Lord  bless  us,  ^^c. 


TUESDAY   EVENING. 

O  God,  who  art  nigh  unto  such  as  call  upon 
thee,  yea,  all  such  as  call  upon  thee  faithfully ; 
we  beseech  thee  favourably  to  receive  the  prayers 
of  thy  humble  servants;  that  we,  who  justly  de- 
serve to  be  punished  for  our  offences,  may  be 
mercifully  delivered  by  thy  goodness,  for  the 
glory  of  thy  name.  Look  down  upon  us,  O 
Lord,  in  thy  wonted  compassion ;  not  in  thy 
anger,  lest  thou  bring  us  to  nothing. 

We  trust  entirely  to  thy  promises  made  to  us 
in  the  Gospel  of  thy  beloved  Son. 

We  depend  alone  on  the  loving-kindness  of 
God  our  Saviour.  Not  by  works  of  righteousness 
which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  thy  mercy, 
do  we  hope  to  be  saved,  by  the  washing  of  re- 
generation, and  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost; 
7 


66  SECOND  WEEK. 

wliich  we  pray  tlice  to  shed  upon  us  abundantly^ 
through  Jesus  Clirist.  Grant  that,  being  justified 
by  his  gra«e,  we  may  be  made  heirs  according  to 
the  hope  of  eternal  life. 

And,  as  thou  hast  appointed  us  to  obtain  sal- 
vation through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  unto 
obedience,  grant  that  our  hearts  may  become 
the  temples  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  that  we  may 
never  defde  them  by  having  pleasure  in  un- 
righteousness. 

Teach  us,  day  by  day,  to  search  and  examine 
our  consciences,  (and  that  not  lightl}^,  and  after 
the  manner  of  dissemblers  with  thee;)  yea,  do 
thou,  O  Lord,  who  searchest  the  heart  and  triest 
vhe  reins  of  the  children  of  men,  so  prove  and 
try  us,  that  we  may  see  whether  there  be  any 
way  of  wickedness  in  us,  and  may  be  led  in  the 
way  everlasting. 

We  feel  our  proneness  to  turn  aside  continu- 
ally from  the  path  of  righteousness.  We  are 
wavering  and  unstable  in  all  our  ways,  and  our 
own  strength  is  perfect  weakness. 

Do  thou,  therefore,  place  underneath  us  thy 
everlasting  arms,  that  in  thy  strength  we  may  be 
strong.  For  as  much  as  without  thee  we  are  not 
able  to  please  thee,  let  thy  Holy  Spirit,  in  all 
things,  direct  and  rule  our  hearts. 

Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  to  receive  the  tribute  of 
our  thanks  for  the  many  and  great  mercies  which 
thou  hast  hitherto  poured  out  upon  us ;  especially 
for  bringing  life  and  immortality  to  light  by  the 
Gospel.  We  desire,  above  all  things,  to  give 
thee  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  the 
redemption  of  the  world  by  the  death  and  passion 
©four  Saviour  Christ,  both  God  and  man;  who 


TUESDAY   LVExMNG  u7 

liid  humble  liimself,  even  to  the  death  of  the 
cross,  for  us  miserable  sinners,  who  lay  in  dark- 
ness and  the  shadow  of  death,  that  he  might 
make  us  the  children  of  God,  and  exalt  us  unto 
everlasting  life.  May  we  always  remember  the 
exceeding  great  love  of  our  Master  and  only 
8aviour  Jesus  Christ,  thus  dying  for  us,  and  the 
innumerable  benefits  which,  by  his  precious 
blood-shedding,  he  hath  obtained  to  us.  And 
may  we  give  unto  thee,  as  we  are  most  bounden, 
continual  thanks;  submitting  ourselves  wholly  to 
thy  holy  will  and  pleasure,  and  studying  to  serve 
thee,  in  true  holiness  and  righteousness,  all  the 
daj-'s  of  our  life. 

Mercifully  hear  us,  in  behalf  of  those  for  whom 
thou  hast  commanded  us  to  pray. 

Let  thy  blessing  rest  upon  thy  people  whom 
thou  hast  set  apart  for  thyself.  And  if  their 
names  are  cast  out  as  evil,  and  they  are  re- 
proached for  righteousness'  sake,  save  them 
from  those  that  persecute  them,  and  deliver 
them.  Hide  them  privily  by  thine  own  presence 
from  the  provoking  of  all  men;  keep  them  se- 
cretly in  thy  tabernacle  from  the  strife  of  tongues. 
And  let  the  lying  lips  be  put  to  silence,  which 
cruelly,  disdainfuUv,  and  despitefully  speak 
against  the  righteous. 

Remember  thy  mercy  and  truth  towards  the 
house  of  Israel ;  and  let  all  the  ends  of  the  world 
see  thy  salvation. 

Regard  with  compassion  our  favoured  land ; 
and  let  not  our  many  offences  provoke  thee  to 
depart  from  us. 

Most  heartily  wo  beseech  thee  with  thy  favour 
lo  behold  our  rulers;  and  so  replenish  them  with 


68  SECOND  WEEK. 

the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  they  may  alway 
incline  to  thy  will,  and  walk  in  thy  ways. 

Be  gracious  unto  all  men ;  especially  to  our 
neighbours,  friends,  and  kindred.  Bless  them 
in  their  persons,  in  their  families,  and  in  their 
substance.  Above  all,  bless  them  in  their  souls; 
and  grant  them  thy  peace  all  the  days  of  their 
life.  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  mercifully  to 
hear  us;  and  grant  that  we  to  whom  thou  hast 
given  a  hearty  desire  to  pray,  may,  by  thy  mighty 
aid,  be  defended  and  comforted  in  all  dangers 
and  adversities,  this  night  and  for  evermore, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father,  i^-c.      The  Lord  bless  us,  ^^c. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

O  God,  who  givest  to  all  men  liberally,  and 
upbraidest  not,  we,  thy  sinful  and  helpless  crea- 
tures, draw  nigh  unto  thee,  humbly  relying  on 
thy  grace  and  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Thou  hast  taught  us  to  believe,  that,  guilty  and 
weak  as  we  are  in  ourselves,  in  thee,  the  Lord 
Jehovah,  we  may  have  everlasting  righteousness 
and  strength. 

We  bless  thee  for  having  found  out  a  way  of 
salvation  for  us,  miserable  sinners. 

We  praise  thee  for  adding  to  the  number  of 
our  days,  and  for  giving  us  fresh  opportunities  of 
imploring  thy  fatherly  forgiveness.  And  we  be- 
seech thee  to  grant  that  we  may  duly  improve 
them. 

Teach  us  to  consider  this  life  as  the  onl}'  sea- 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  69 

son  of  preparation  for  another.  Suffer  us  not  to 
waste  it  in  unprofitableness  and  vanity,  and  gra- 
ciously continue  it  to  us,  till  the  work  is  finished 
which  thou  hast  given  us  to  do. 

Take  away  from  us  the  spirit  of  slumber,  and 
quicken  us  to  greater  diligence  and  activity.  For 
as  much  as  the  night  is  far  spent,  and  the  day  is 
at  hand,  give  us  grace  to  cast  away  the  works  of 
darkness,  and  to  put  upon  us  the  armour  of  light, 
now  in  the  time  of  this  mortal  life,  in  wliich  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  came  to  visit  us  in  great  humi- 
lity; that,  in  the  last  day,  when  he  shall  conifi 
again,  in  his  glorious  Majesty,  to  judge  both  the 
quick  and  the  dead,  we  may  rise  to  the  life 
immortal. 

Make  us  to  count  all  things  but  loss  for  tiit 
excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  our 
Lord.  And  dispose  us  gladly  to  suffer  the  loss  o-f 
all  things,  that  we  may  win  Christ,  and  be  found 
in  him,  not  having  our  own  righteousness,  which 
is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith 
of  Christ,  if  by  any  means  v/e  may  attain  to  the 
resurrection  of  the  just. 

O  Lord,  raise  uf),  we  pray  thee,  thy  power, 
and  come  among  us,  and  with  great  might  succour 
us;  that  whereas,  through  our  sins  and  wicked- 
ness, we  are  sore  let  and  hindered  in  running 
the  race  that  is  set  before  us,  thy  bountiful  grace 
and  mercy  may  speedily  help  and  deliver  us, 
through  the  satisfaction  of  thy  Son,  cur  Lord. 
Enable  us,  from  day  to  day,  to  forget  the  things 
that  are  behind,  and  to  reach  forth  to  those  that 
are  before,  that  so  we  may  press  toward  the 
mark,  for  the  prize  of  our  high  calling  in  Christ 
Jesus. 


70  SECOND  WEEK. 

Defend  us,  O  Lord,  from  day  to  day,  with  thy 
heavenly  grace,  that  we  may  continue  thine  for 
ever,  and  daily  increase  in  thy  Holy  Spirit  more 
and  more,  until  we  come  unto  thy  everlasting 
kingdom. 

Strengthen  us  in  every  conflict  with  the  ene- 
mies of  our  souls,  and  comfort  our  hearts  with 
tlie  full  assurance  of  hope  that  they  shall  not 
finally  prevail  against  us. 

Grant  that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  angels, 
nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present, 
nor  things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor 
any  other  creature,  may  be  able  to  separate  us 
from  thy  love  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our 
Lord. 

Bless  all  who  are  travelling  with  us  in  the  way 
of  life.  Direct  their  steps  in  all  things,  and  make 
their  paths  as  the  shining  light,  which  shineth 
more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day.  Establish 
their  hearts  unblameable  before  thee  in  holiness, 
till  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  with  all 
his  saints. 

Pitifu'ly  behold  the  "  -.fli-ows  of  those  who  are 
walking  in  darkness,  and  have  no  light.  Bring 
them  by  a  way  that  they  know  not;  lead  them 
in  paths  that  they  -^fe  not  'known;  make  dark- 
ness light  bpfor.r  ,;]ienris.3nc  ^-ccooked  things 
straight.  :'J'l»<>se  hings  daVL^^^^o?  and  do 
not  forsake  thcM.      ^      •,i\'\'T[ 

Quicken,  in  the  path  ofrightfeottsrtf^ss,  all  such 
as  are  turning  aside  from  it,  andupbs .d  them  by 
thy  free  Spirh.  • ;      -  v 

We  pray  thee,  furthe*-,  in  behalf  of  those  who 
are  going  forward  in  the  broad  road  of  destruc- 
tion.    Turn  their  feet  into  the  narrow  way  that 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING.  71 

Icadeth  to  eternal  life,  and  give  them  grace  to 
continue  in  the  same. 

We  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  look  upon 
the  hearty  desires  of  thy  humble  servants,  and 
stretch  forth  the  right  hand  of  thy  Majesty  to  be 
our  defence  against  all  our  enemies,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father^  S^c.     Tlie  Lord  bless  us,  ^c. 


WEDNESDAY   EVENING. 

Great  and  glorious  Lord  God,  whose  eyes  are 
in  every  place,  beholding  the  evil  and  the  good, 
help  us  to  worship  and  serve  thee  acceptably, 
with  reverence  and  godly  fear. 

Thou  art  here  and  every  where  present,  and 
knowest  all  things-  Thou  art  about  our  path, 
and  about  our  bed,  and  spiest  out  all  our  ways; 
and  there  is  not  a  word  of  our  mouth,  or  a 
thought  and  intent  of  our  hearts,  but  thou,  O 
God,  knowest  it  altoget...  .  If  we  "say,  liperad- 
venture  the  darkness  shall  cover  us,  then  shall 
our  night  be  turned  into  day. 

Our  sins  are  all  naked  an  oen  unto  thee,  the 
sins  of  which  our  jwn  hear^.  >ndemn  us ;  and 
the  sins  wl  "  .  'v^^7»Efy  have  fr  '-rot*  n,  '  at  which 
tliou,  who  art  greater  tlian  our  heavts,  and  knowest 
all  things,  sf-est  t)iat  We  have  committed  against 
thee.  We  :amiot  deny  or  justify  our  transgres- 
sions, tlic^  are  so  ji.  '^y  and  so  great;  and  we 
might  well  tremble  thro-gh  fear  of  them,  and  be 
afraid  to  lift  up  our  eyes  to  the  throne  of  thy 
glory. 


72  SECOND  WEEK. 

But  though  we  are  thus  guihy  and  evil  in  thy 
sight,  yet,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  tliee,  have  mercy 
upon  us.  We  are  sorry  and  ashamed  ior  all  our 
misdoings,  and  bewail  the  exceeding  sinfulness 
of  our  sins. 

For  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our 
Saviour,  forgive  us  alj  that  is  past.  We  plead 
the  prevailing  name  of  him  who  loved  us,  and 
gave  himself  for  us,  that  all  who  believe  in  him 
might  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life. 

And  we  pray  thee  to  keep  us  from  adding  to 
all  our  other  sins  the  more  heinous  guilt  of 
neglecting  his  great  salvation.  Let  us  not  thus 
crucify  thy  beloved  Son  afresh,  and  put  him  to 
open  shame;  but  grant  that  we  may  trust  in  his 
iiame,  and  receive  him  into  our  hearts  by  faith. 
Enable  us  to  build  on  that  foundation  which  thou 
hast  laid  in  Zion,  and  to  remember  that  other 
foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  which  is 
laid,  which  is  Christ  Jesus.  May  we  regard  him 
as  our  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King,  by  hearkening 
to  his  instructions,  submitting  to  his  righteous- 
ness, and  obeying  his  commands. 

As  he  was  manifested  to  take  away  our  sins, 
lo  make  us  thy  children,  and  heirs  of  everlasting 
life;  grant  that,  having  this  hope,  we  may  puriiy 
ourselves,  even  as  he  is  pure;  that,  when  he  shall 
appear  again,  with  power  and  great  glory,  we 
may  be  made  like  unto  him  in  his  eternal  and 
glorious  kingdom. 

O  thou  Redeemer  of  our  souls,  thou  merciful 
High  Priest  of  our  profession,  who  art  always 
touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  and 
wast,  in  all  points,  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet 
without  sin,  suffer  us  not  to  be  tempted  above 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING.  73 

that  we  arc  a])Ie;  but,  in  every  temptation,  make 
a  way  for  us  to  escape. 

Thou  art  the  vine,  and  we  arc  the  branches. 
Thou  art  the  head,  and  we  are  the  members; 
and  without  thee  we  can  do  nothing. 

Thou  knowest  us  to  be  set  in  the  midst  of  so 
many  and  great  dangers,  that,  by  reason  of  the 
frailty  of  our  nature,  we  cannot  always  stand 
upright.  Grant  us,  therefore,  such  strength  and 
protection  as  may  support  us  in  all  dangers,  and 
carry  us  through  all  temptations. 

Defend  us,  O  God,  our  preserver,  through  the 
night  season.  When  we  lie  down  on  our  beds, 
may  we  commune  with  our  own  hearts,  and 
think  of  all  thy  goodness  towards  us.  And  may 
we  awake  in  the  morning,  filled  with  a  due  sense 
of  thy  mercies,  and  with  sincere  purposes  of 
living  to  thy  glory. 

Vouchsafe  these  and  all  other  spiritual  mercies 
to  the  whole  race  of  mankind. 

Put  thy  fear  in  the  hearts  of  those  who  have 
no  fear  of  thee  before  their  eyes.  May  they 
tremble  at  the  thought,  that  thou,  O  God,  seest 
them,  and  wilt  render  unto  every  one  according 
to  his  deeds. 

Keep  thy  household,  the  Church,  in  continual 
godliness;  that,  through  thy  protection,  it  may  be 
free  from  all  adversities,  and  devoutly  given  to 
serve  thee,  in  good  works,  to  the  glory  of  thy  name. 
Bless  all  Christian  families,  especially  those  of 
our  relations  and  friends.  Grant  that  husbands 
and  wives,  parents  and  children,  brothers  and 
sisters,  may  ever  remain  in  perfect  love  and 
peace  together,  and  may  live  according  to  thy 
laws  to  their  lives'  end. 


74 


SECOND  WEEK. 


O  God  of  Abraham,  God  of  Isaac,  God  of 
Jacob,  bless  them  severally,  as  they  stand  in 
need ;  and  grant  them,  together  with  us,  to  in- 
herit thy  everlasting  kingdom,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father^  S^c.      The  Lord  bless  us,  «^*c. 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 

O  God,  thou  art  our  God;  early  will  we  seek 
thee.  The  desire  of  our  souls  is  to  thee,  and  to 
the  remembrance  of  thy  name. 

We  draw  nigh  unto  thee,  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ,  tliat  true  and  living  way,  by  which  thou 
hast-^eclared  that  sinners  may  have  access  unto 
thee.  For  his  sake,  therefore,  hear  us,  O  God 
of  our  salvation ;  for  his  sake,  look  down  upon 
us,  and  hearken  unto  our  prayer. 

We  are  encouraged,  by  thy  exceeding  great 
and  precious  promises,  to  pour  out  our  hearts  be- 
fore thee  this  morning.  The  Scripture  moveth 
us  in  sundry  places,  to  acknowledge  and  confess 
our  manifold  sins  and  wickedness;  and  that  we 
should  not  dissemble  nor  cloak  them  before  thy 
face,  but  confess  them  with  a  humble,  lowly, 
penitent,  and  obedient  heart,  to  the  end  that  we 
may  obtain  forgiveness  of  the  same,  by  thine 
infinite  goodness  and  merc3%  And  although  we 
ought,  at  all  times,  humbly  to  acknowledge  our 
sins  before  thee,  yet  ought  we  most  chiefly  so  to 
do,  now  we  are  assembled  and  met  together,  to 
render  tlianks  for  the  great  benefits  which  we 
have  received  at  thy  hands,  to  set  forth  thy  most 


THURSDAY  MORNING.  75 

worthy  praise,  to  hear  thy  most  holy  word,  and 
to  ask  those  things  which  are  requisite  and 
necessary  as  well  for  the  body  as  the  soul.  And 
we  beseech  thee,  that  as  many  as  are  here  pre- 
sent may  approach,  with  a  humble  and  penitent 
heart,  unto  the  throne  of  thy  heavenly  grace. 

AVe  have  grievously  sinned  against  thee  in 
thought,  and  vv^ord,  and  deed.  We  bewail  the 
fault  and  corruption  of  our  nature,  whereby  we 
are  very  far  gone  from  original  righteousness, 
and  are  inclined  only  to  evil  continually.  We 
bewail  the  actual  transgressions  of  our  lives, 
whereby  we  have  broken  thy  holy  law,  and 
provoked  thy  wrath  and  indignation  against  us. 
But  remember  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  our  low 
estate,  for  thy  mercy  endureth  for  ever.  We 
plead  in  our  behalf  the  merits  and  mediation  of 
the  Lord  Jesus.  We  fall  down  at  the  foot  of 
his  cross,  and  implore  forgiveness  through  him 
alone.  Justify  us  freely  by  his  blood.  Make  us 
partakers  of  that  righteousness  which  is  by  faith 
of  Jesus  Christ,  the  free  gift  of  many  offences 
unto  justification. 

But  preserve  us,  O  Lord,  from  a  dead  faith. 
Not  only  forgive  us  our  sins,  but  cleanse  us  from 
all  unrighteousness.  Keep  it  in  our  hearts  to 
live,  this  day,  as  those  who  have  been  redeemed 
by  thy  merc3^  Turn  us  from  the  practice  and 
love  of  all  sin,  to  the  practice  and  love  of  righte- 
ousness. Make  us  more  obedient  to  thy  word, 
more  conformed  to  thy  image,  and  more  devoted 
to  thy  glory.  Make  us  such  as  thou  wouldest 
have  us  to  be,  in  all  holy  conversation  and  god- 
liness, that  we  may  stand  perfect  and  complete 
In  all  thy  will,  O  God. 


76  SECOx\D  WEEK. 

May  we  love  thee  with  all  our  heart,  with  all 
our  mind,  with  all  our  soul,  and  with  all  our 
strength ;  and  also  faithfully  perform  our  duty  to 
ourselves  and  to  our  fellow-creatures.  Give  us 
grace  to  love  our  neighbours  as  ourselves,  and  to 
do  unto  all  men  as  we  would  they  should  do  unto 
us ;  to  hurt  nobody  by  word  or  deed ;  to  be  true 
and  just  in  all  our  dealings ;  to  bear  no  malice 
nor  hatred  in  our  hearts ;  to  keep  our  tongues 
from  evil  speaking,  lying,  and  slandering;  to 
keep  our  bodies  in  temperance,  soberness,  and 
chastity ;  not  to  covet  nor  desire  other  men's 
goods  ;  but  to  learn  and  labour  truly,  to  get  our 
own  Uving,  and  to  do  our  duty  in  that  state  of 
life  unto  which  it  hath  pleased  thee  to  call  us. 

And  while  we  are  dihgently  employed  in  our 
several  stations,  deliver  us  from  all  sinful  anxiety 
about  the  affairs  of  this  present  life.  May  we  be 
careful  for  nothing;  but  in  every  thing,  by  prayer 
and  supplication,  with  thanksgiving,  make  our 
requests  known  unto  thee.  And  may  thy  peace, 
which  passeth  all  understanding,  continually  keep 
our  hearts  and  minds,  through  Christ  Jesus. 

Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  accept  our  thanks  for 
all  the  bounties  of  thy  providence  and  grace. 
Blessed  be  thy  name  for  the  sleep  and  refresh- 
ment for  the  past  night,  for  the  health  with  which 
we  are  favoured,  and  for  all  our  personal  and 
domestic  comforts. 

But,  chiefly,  we  adore  thee  for  Jesus  Christ, 
and  for  the  hope  of  eternal  salvation  through  him. 
Thanks  be  unto  thee  for  thy  unspeakable  gift. 
Unto  thee,  who  hast  done,  and  art  yet  able  to  do 
for  us,  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  we 
can  ask  or  think,  unto  thee  be  everlasting  glory 


THURSDAY  EVENING.  HI 

by  Christ  Jesus,  throughout  all  ages,  world  with- 
out end. 

Hear  us,  O  heavenly  Father,  in  those  our  prayers 
and  thanksgivings,  which  we  desire  to  conclude 
with  fervent  supplications  for  our  fellow-creatures, 
and  more  especially  for  all  our  fellow-christians, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord ;  in  whose  name 
and  words  we  have  been  taught  thus  to  sum  up 
our  own  wants,  and  the  wants  of  all  mankind. 
Our  Father,  S^^c.      The  Lord  bless  W5,  ^^c. 


THURSDAY  EVENING. 

O  THOU  high  and  lofty  One,  that  inhabitest 
eternity,  whose  name  is  holy,  who  dwellest  in  the 
high  and  holy  place,  we  humble  ourselves  before 
thy  glorious  Majesty.  Thou,  even  thou,  art 
greatly  to  be  feared;  and  who  may  stand  in  thy 
sight  when  thou  art  angry?  Teach  us,  at  all 
times,  to  tremble  at  that  wrath  which  thou  hast 
revealed  against  all  ungodliness  and  unrighteous- 
ness of  men. 

Let  not  our  portion  be  with  the  wicked,  in  that 
place  where  is  weeping,  and  wailing,  and  gnash- 
ing of  teeth.  We  do,  indeed,  justly  deserve  thy 
wrath  and  indignation ;  and,  if  thou  shouldest 
deal  with  us  according  to  our  iniquities,  we  could 
have  no  hope  of  escaping  the  severity  of  thy 
righteous  judgment. 

But,  blessed  be  thy  name  for  the  hope  set 
before  us  in  the  Gospel ;  for  the  gift  of  him  who 
died  for  our  sins,  the  just  for  the  unjust,  to  bring 
us  unto  thee. 

8 


78  SECOND  WEEK. 

Grant  that,  being  justified  by  his  bloou,^  wc 
may  be  saved  from  wrath  through  him.  Give 
unto  us  true  repentance  towards  thee,  and  liveh' 
feith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

We  feel  that  we  have  no  power  to  turn  and 
prepare  our  own  hearts  to  repentance,  and  calHng 
upon  thee,  except  through  thy  grace  preventing 
us,  that  we  may  have  a  good  will,  and  wwking 
with  us,  when  we  have  it. 

Turn  thou  us,  therefore,  O  Lord,  and  so  we 
shall  be  turned.  Be  favourable,  O  Lord,  be 
favourable  to  thy  people,  who  turn  unto  thee  ;  for 
thou  art  a  God  full  of  compassion,  long-suffering, 
and  of  great  pity.  Thou  sparest  when  we  deserve 
Dunishment;  and,  in  thy  wrath,  thou  thinkest 
upon  mercy.  Spare  thy  people,  good  Lord,  spare 
them;  and  let  not  thy  heritage  be  brought  to  con- 
fusion. Hear  us,  O  God,  for  thy  mercy  is  great; 
and,  after  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies,  look  upon 
as,  and  blot  out  our  offences. 

Deliver  us,  we  beseech  thee,  O  heavenly 
Father,  not  only  from  the  wrath  to  come,  but  also 
from  all  the  evils  of  this  present  life.  Under  the 
shadow  of  thy  wing  may  we  find  shelter,  till  every 
calamity  be  overpast. 

Grant,  if  it  be  agreeable  to  thy  will,  that  the 
voice  of  joy  and  health  may  be  heard  in  our 
habitation ;  and  that  no  plague  may  come  nigh  us, 
or  our  dwelling.  Or,  shouldest  thou  think  fit  to 
correct  us,  may  we  find  that  it  is  good  for  us  to 
be  afflicted;  and  that  thou,  of  very  faithfulness, 
hast  caused  us  to  be  in  trouble.  For  thou,  Lord, 
art  good;  a  strong  hold  in  the  day  of  trouble; 
and  thou  knowest  them  that  trust  in  thee. 

Rspecially  preserve  us,  this  night,  from  the 


THURSDAY   EVENING.  70 

perils  of  darkness.  Guard  us  from  the  assaults 
of  ungodly  men,  from  the  approach  of  evil  spirits, 
and  from  the  wicked  imaginations  cf  our  own 
hearts.  Bless  us  in  our  lying  down;  and  refresh 
our  bodies  with  sleep.  Bless  us  in  our  rising  up ; 
and  prepare  us  for  the  duties  of  another  day,  if 
we  are  permitted  to  see  one.  Grant  that  we  may 
lie  down  on  our  beds  with  a  good  hope,  through 
grace,  that  if  our  eyes  should  be  closed  this  night 
in  the  sleep  of  death,  we  may  rest  in  Jesus,  and 
awake,  at  last,  to  a  joyful  resurrection. 

May  it  please  thee  to  grant  these  and  all  other 
blessings  unto  our  fellow-creatures. 

Be  merciful  unto  all  the  nations  of  the  earth. 
Make  them  nations  fearing  thee  and  working 
righteousness:  and  pour  down  upon  them  the 
spirit  of  unity  and  concord. 

Be  especially  merciful  unto  our  own  land. 

We  beseech  thee  to  cast  thy  bright  beams  of 
light  upon  the  Church,  that  it  being  enlightened 
by  the  doctrine  of  thy  blessed  word,  may  so  walk 
in  the  light  of  thy  truth,  that  it  may  at  kngth 
attain  to  the  light  of  everlasting  life. 

Endue  thy  ministers  with  righteousness,  and 
make  thy  chosen  people  joyful. 

Preserve  the  rich  and  prosperous  from  forget- 
ting thee,  and  make  them  partakers  of  thy 
heavenly  treasures.  Incline  their  hearts  unto  thy 
testimonies,  and  not  unto  covetousness.  In  all 
lime  of  their  prosperity,  good  Lord,  deliver  them. 

Have  mercy  on  the  poor  and  afflicted,  and  be 
a  very  present  help  to  them  in  their  distress.  In 
all  time  of  their  tribulation,  good  Lord,  deliver 
^hem. 

Be  gracious  uate  thy  dying  servants:    in  tiie 


80 


SECOND  WEEK. 


hour  of  death,  and  in  the  day  of  judgment,  good 
Lord,  deliver  them. 

Both  now  and  ever  vouchsafe  to  us,  for  the 
sake  of  him  who  died  for  us,  and  rose  again,  and 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
one  God,  world  without  end. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.      The  Lord  bless  7is,  S^^c. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 

O  God,  our  Creator,  our  Preserver,  and  our  Re- 
deemer, our  Refuge  and  Portion  in  the  land  of  the 
living,  our  Light  in  darkness,  our  Life  in  death, 
hear  us,  we  beseech  thee,  while  we  pour  out 
before  thee  the  voice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving. 

Thy  word  formed  us  out  of  the  dust  of  the 
earth ;  and  thy  Spirit  breathed  into  our  nostrils 
the  breath  of  life,  and  we  became  living  souls. 
Thou,  O  Lord,  art  our  Father;  and  we  are  all 
the  work  of  thy  hand.  We  are  fearfully  and 
wonderfully  made,  O  God,  our  Creator. 

In  thee  we  still  live,  and  move,  and  have  our 
being.  By  thee  we  have  been  upholden  ever 
since  we  were  born.  Thou  hast  protected  us 
during  the  past  night,  and  hast  brought  us  to  meet 
together  in  health  and  peace,  the  living  menu- 
ments  of  thy  sparing  mercy  and  providential  care. 
Thou  dost  graciously  uphold  us  in  being,  O  God, 
our  Preserver. 

But  thou  hast  done  for  us  greater  things  than 
these,  which  call  for  our  gratitude  and  praise. 

Thou  hast  sent  thy  only  Son  into  the  world  to 
redeem  us  from  sin  and  everlasting  death. 


FRIDAY   MOUMN«.  81 

How  great  is  thy  goodness  wliich  thou  hiist  hiid 
up  for  them  that  fear  thee,  which  thou  hast  pre- 
pared for  them  that  trust  in  thee  !  With  thy  own 
arm  thou  hast  wrought  out  salvation  for  us,  O 
God,  our  Redeemer. 

Our  souls  bless  thee,  O  Lord  ;  and  all  that  is 
within  us  doth  bless  thy  holy  name.  Our  souls 
bless  thee,  O  Lord,  and  forget  not  all  thy  benefits:; 
who  forgivest  all  our  sins,  and  heaJest  all  our  in- 
firmities ;  who  savest  our  life  from  destruction, 
and  crownest  us  with  loving-kindness  and  tender 
mercies.  We  will  bless  thee  at  all  times.  Thy 
praise  shall  be  ever  in  our  mouths.  We  will 
magnify  thee  with  the  voice  of  thanksgiving,  and 
exalt  thy  name  together^ 

But  thou  requirest  us  to  glorify  thee,  not  only 
with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives.  Help  us  thus  to 
glorify  thee  this  day.  Put  thy  fear  wiihin  us, 
that  we  may  not  depart  from  thee.  Make  us  to 
go  in  the  path  of  thy  commandments  ;  for  tlierein 
is  our  desire.  Give  us  understanding,  that  v.'<5 
may  keep  thy  law  ;  yea,  that  we  may  keep  it  with 
our  whole  heart.  O  that  our  ways  were  made  so 
direct,  that  we  might  keep  thy  statutes  always! 
May  we  hear  a  word  behind  us,  saying.  This  is 
the  way,  walk  ye  in  it,  when  we  are  inclined  to 
turn  aside,  to  the  right  hand,  or  to  the  left. 

Give  us  wisdom  and  grace  to  honour  thee  by 
uprightness  and  fidelity  in  all  our  ways.  Preserve 
us  from  unchristian  tempers  and  pursuits;  from 
the  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the  eye,  and  the 
})ride  of  life.  May  we  exercise  ourselves  to  have 
always  a  conscience  void  of  offence  towards  thee, 
and  towards  men. 

Teach  us  not  to  seek  our  happiiiess  in  the 
8* 


82  SECOND    WEEK. 

things  of  tills  vain  world:  but  do  liiou,  O  God, 
irom  whom  all  holy  desires,  all  good  counsels, 
and  all  just  works  do  proceed,  give  unto  thy 
servants  that  peace  which  the  world  cannot  give: 
that  both  our  hearts  may  be  set  to  obey  thy  com- 
mandments; and  also,  that  by  thee,  we,  being 
defended  from  the  fear  of  our  enemies,  may  pass 
our  time  in  rest  and  quietness. 

O  God  and  Father  of  us,  and  of  all  mankind, 
mercifully  regard  the  whole  human  race,  whom 
the  same  hand  hath  formed  with  ourselves,  the 
same  providence  preserves,  and  the  same  mercy 
hath  redeemed. 

Look  in  compassion  upon  this  our  land-. 
Save  and  defend  our  rulers.  Endue  them 
plenteously  with  heavenly  gifts;  grant  them,  in 
health  and  prosperity,  long  to  live;  and  that, 
finally,  after  this  life,  they  may  attain  everlasting 
joy  and  felicity,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Bless  the  Congress  of  these  United  States. 
Direct  and  prosper  all  their  consultations  to  the 
advancement  of  thy  glory,  the  good  of  thy  Church, 
the  safetj',  honour,  and  welfare  of  thy  people; 
that  all  things  may  be  so  ordered  and  settled  by 
their  endeavours,  upon  the  best  and  surest  founda- 
tions; that  peace  and  happiness,  truth  and  justice, 
religion  and  piety,  may  be  established  among  us 
for  all  generations. 

May  it  please  thee,  also,  to  bless  and  keep  dll 
civil  magistrates,  giving  them  grace  to  execute 
justice,  and  to  maintain  truth. 

Lastly,  may  it  please  thee  to  bless  them  that  fear 
thee,  both  small  and  great,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord  ;  in  whose  name  and  words  we  pray: — 
Our  Father,  ^-c.      The  Lord  bless  us,  ^c. 


FRIDAY  EVENING.  83 


FRIDAY  EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  whose  ears  are  ever  open  to  the 
petitions  of  thy  humble  servants,  and  Avho  hast 
promised,  that  whatsoever  we  ask  of  thee  in 
prayer,  believing,  we  shall  receive,  mercifully 
with  thy  favour  look  upon  us. 

How  great  is  thy  goodness  in  permitting  us  to 
approach  thy  throne !  and  how  great  is  our  abuse 
of  it! 

Thou  hast  commanded  us  to  pray  without 
ceasing;  and  it  is  meet  and  right  for  us  so  to 
do. 

But  we  often  account  thy  commandment  griev- 
ous, and  are  unwilling  to  seek  thy  face.  When 
we  appear  in  thy  presence,  how  little  are  our 
hearts  aftected  with  the  sense  of  thy  majesty  and 
glory,  as  though  we  thought  thee  altogether  such 
a  one  as  ourselves,  and  expected  to  be  heard  for 
our  words  only !  And  even  in  our  best  estate, 
how  small  a  measure  do  we  feel  of  holy  fervour, 
and  earnest  waiting  upon  thee ! 

We  humble  ourselves  for  our  want  of  reverence 
and  godly  fear  in  drawing  nigh  unto  thee.  We 
confess  and  bewail  the  iniquity  that  cleaveth  to 
our  daily  devotions.  We  are  unprofitable  ser- 
vants ;  and  all  our  services  are  nothing  worth. 

But,  we  pray  thee  graciously  to  accept  them, 
through  the  intercession  of  thy  dear  Son,  whom 
thou  hast  appointed  to  offer  the  prayers  of  thy 
people.  Grant  that  our  supplications  and  thanks- 
givings may  be  sprinkled  with  his  most  precious 
blood,  which  cleanseth  from  all  sin,  and  so  may 
come  up  as  a  memorial  before  ihee,  the  odour  of 


84  SECOND    WEEK.. 

a  sweet  smell,  acceptable,  and  well  pleasing  in 
thy  sight. 

Pour  down  upon  us  a  more  abundant  measure 
of  grace  and  supplication ;  that  we  may  hereafter 
approach  thee  with  the  effectual,  fervent  prayer 
of  the  righteous,  which  availeth  much;  and  so 
may  worship  thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

We  confess  also,  O  Lord,  all  our  other  offences, 
which  we  daily  commit  against  thee.  But  thou 
knowest  them :  for  they  are  not  hid  from  thee. 
We  are  confounded  and  ashamed  to  lift  up  our 
faces  before  thee :  for  our  iniquities  are  increased 
over  our  heads,  and  our  trespass  is  grown  up  unto 
the  heavens. 

Remember  not  against  us  the  oflences  of  our 
youth,  nor  our  later  transgressions ;  but,  accord- 
ing to  thy  mercy,  remember  thou  us,  for  thy  good- 
ness' sake,  O  Lord. 

We  humbly  beseech  thee,  O  Father  Almighty, 
to  look  upon  our  infirmities  ;  and,  for  the  glory  of 
thy  name,  turn  from  us  all  those  evils  that  we  have 
most  righteously  deserved;  and  grant  that,  in  all 
our  troubles,  we  may  put  our  whole  trust  and 
confidence  in  thy  mercy;  and  evermore  serve 
thee,  in  holiness  and  pureness  of  living,  to  thy 
honour  and  glor3\ 

O  thou  who  declarest  thyself  to  be  no  respecter 
of  persons,  but  freely  acceptest  all,  in  every  nation, 
who  fear  thee,  and  work  righteousness,  pitifully 
behold  the  nations  that  have  not  known  thee,  and 
that  call  not  upon  thy  name.  Make  them  thy 
people  who  are  not  thy  people ;  and  them  beloved 
which  are  not  beloved. 

But,  for  as  much  as  they  cannot  call  on  him 
in  whom  they  have  not  believed,  nor  believe  in 


FRIDAY  EVENING.  85 

him  of  whom  they  have  not  heard,  nor  hear  with- 
out a  preacher,  and  none  can  preach  except  they 
be  sent,  we  pray  thee,  O  thou  Lord  of  the  harvest, 
to  send  forth  labourers  into  the  harvest. 

Shed  abundantly  thy  blessing  on  all  the  means 
which  are  employed  for  bringing  the  Heathen  to 
the  knowledge  of  the  truth. 

Especiall}'  strengthen  the  hands  of  those  in  this 
land  who  are  labouring  to  spread  abroad  the  ever- 
lasting Gospel  of  thy  Son.  May  they  prosper 
and  increase  with  the  increase  of  thee,  their  God. 

Raise  up  among  us  able  men,  full  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  of  faith,  and  of  wisdom,  whom  thou  mayest 
appoint  as  the  messengers  of  the  churches,  and 
the  glory  of  Christ.  Fill  them  with  tender  com- 
passion for  the  souls  of  men,  and  with  fervent 
zeal  for  thy  glory ;  that,  following  the  example 
of  thy  Apostles  and  Evangelists,  and  being  dead 
to  all  earthly  things,  they  may  burn  with  desire 
to  make  known  among  the  Gentiles  the  unsearch- 
able riches  of  Christ.  Let  them  not  count  their 
lives  dear  to  them,  so  that  they  may  finish  their 
course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry  they  have  re- 
ceived of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the  Gospel  of 
thy  grace. 

And  grant,  O  Lord,  that  thy  salvation  may  run 
and  be  glorified,  till  the  sound  thereof  is  gone 
into  all  the  earth,  and  its  words  unto  the  ends  of 
the  world ;  till  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  be 
brought  in,  and  all  Israel  be  saved ;  till  Jew  and 
Gentile,  Greek  and  Barbarian,  bond  and  free, 
become  one  fold  under  one  Shepherd,  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.      The  Lord  bless  us^  Sfc* 


86  SECOND  WEEK. 


SATURDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  God,  whose  mercy  is  everlasting,  and 
whose  Irutli  endureth  from  generation  to  genera- 
tion, favourably  with  mercy  hear  our  prayers. 

Thou  art  willing  to  be  entreated  of  by  those 
who  approach  thee  with  a  lowly  and  contrite 
spirit,  and  wilt  fulfil  the  desires  of  them  that  seek 
thee. 

We  bless  thee,  O  Lord,  for  commending  thy 
love  to  us,  in  that  while  we  were  yet  sinners, 
Christ  died  for  us :  and  we  pray  thee  to  make  us 
to  know,  and  to  feel,  that  there  is  no  other  name 
under  heaven  given  among  men,  whereby  we  may 
be  saved,  but  only  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

Dispose  us,  day  by  day,  to  flee  unto  him,  as 
our  only  refuge  from  the  storm  of  thy  anger. 
May  he  be  always  to  us  as  a  hiding-place  from 
the  wind,  and  a  covert  from  the  tempest;  as 
rivers  of  water  in  a  dry  place,  as  the  shadow  of  a 
great  rock  in  a  weary  land. 

And  as,  of  thy  great  mercy,  thou  didst  save 
Noah  and  his  family  in  the  ark  from  perishing 
by  water,  and  didst  safely  lead  the  children  of 
Israel,  thy  people,  through  the  Red  Sea,  so  we 
beseech  thee,  for  thine  infinite  mercies,  to  look 
upon  us;  that  we,  being  delivered  from  thy 
wrath,  and  received  into  the  ark  of  Christ's 
Church,  and  being  steadfast  in  faith,  joyful  through 
hope,  and  rooted  in  charity,  may  so  pass  tho 
waves  of  this  troublesome  world,  that,  finally, 
we  may  come  to  the  land  of  everlasting  life,  tliere 
to  reign  whh  thee,  world  without  end. 


SATURDAY  MORNING.  87 

Grant  unto  us,  O  Lord,  all  needful  strength  for 
the  duties  of  this  day.  Out  of  the  fulness  which 
is  in  Christ  Jesus,  supply  every  want  both  of  body 
and  of  soul.  With  thy  mighty  hand  and  stretched- 
out  arm  save  and  protect  us  from  all  evil. 

Show  us  thy  ways,  and  teach  us  thy  paths;  and 
may  they  be  to  us  ways  of  pleasantness  and  paths 
of  peace.  Remove  the  carnal  mind,  which  is 
enmity  against  thee  ;  and  give  us  the  mind  which 
was  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Strengthen  us  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  mortify 
the  deeds  of  the  body,  and  to  preserve  our  mind 
and  conscience  undefiled. 

Suffer  us  not  to  be  conformed  unto  this  world ; 
but  transform  us  by  the  renewing  of  our  minds, 
that  we  may  know  what  is  thy  good,  and  accept- 
able, and  perfect  will. 

Preserve  us  from  putting  a  stumbling-block, 
or  an  occasion  of  falling,  in  our  brother's  way. 
And  grant  that  every  one  of  us  may  strive  to 
please  his  neighbour,  for  his  good  to  edification, 
even  as  Christ  pleased  not  himself;  and  may 
learn  not  to  seek  our  own  profit,  but  the  profit  of 
many,  that  they  may  be  saved. 

Above  all,  give  us  sincerity  of  heart  before 
thee.  Keep  us  from  the  hypocrisy  of  those  who 
desire  to  appear  righteous  before  men,  but  whose 
inward  parts  are  full  of  wickedness. 

O  thou  who  knowest  our  weakness,  and  art 
able  to  make  all  grace  abound  towards  us,  grant 
that  we,  having  all  sufiiciency  in  all  things,  may 
abound  in  every  good  work ;  and,  building  up 
ourselves  in  our  most  holy  faith,  praying  in  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  watching  thereunto  with  aM 
perseverance,  may  be  kept  continually   in  thy 


88  SECOND  WEEK. 

love,  daily  looking  for  the  mercy  in  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  unto  eternal  life. 

But  thou  hast  taught  us,  O  Lord,  to  pray  for 
others  as  well  as  for  ourselves.  Be  pleased, 
therefore,  to  hear  our  intercessions  for  them. 

Let  thine  eye  be  upon  such  as  fear  thee,  and 
hope  in  thy  mercy  :  and  to  those  who  order  their 
conversation  aright,  do  thou  show  thy  salvation, 
O  God. 

Look  on  them  who  are  in  heaviness  through 
manifold  temptations.  What  time  they  are  afraid, 
let  them  put  their  trust  in  thee.  And  may  it 
please  thee,  O  Lord,  who  hast  thyself  suffered, 
laeing  tempted,  to  succour  them  also  that  are 
tempted. 

Have  mercy,  likewise,  O  heavenly  Father, 
upon  those  who  have  hitherto  trodden  under  foot 
thy  beloved  Son,  and  have  counted  the  blood  of 
the  covenant  wherewith  he  was  sanctified  an 
unholy  thing,  and  are  doing  despite  to  the  Spirit 
of  grace. 

Have  compassion  also  on  those  who  have  fallen 
away  from  their  steadfastness,  and  are  sinning 
wilfully  after  they  have  received  the  knowledge 
of  the  truth ;  and  are  in  danger  of  being  given 
over  to  a  reprobate  mind.  Renew  them  again 
unto  repentance ;  for  with  thee  all  things  are 
possible.  And  grant  that  they  may  not  again 
crucify  thy  dear  Son,  and  put  him  to  open  shame  ; 
but,  remembering  from  whence  they  are  fallen, 
may  be  zealous  and  repent,  and  do  their  first 
works;  and,  hereafter,  have  a  perpetual  fear  and 
love  of  thy  holy  name,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord  and  Saviour. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.      The  Lord  bless  2/5,  ^^c. 


SATURDAY  EVENING.  89 


SATURDAY  EVENING. 

IIoLY,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  who  is 
like  unto  thee,  glorious  in  holiness  1  The  heavens 
are  not  pure  in  thy  sight ;  and  thou  chargest  thy 
angels  with  folly.  How  then  shall  we  come  into 
thy  presence,  who  are  a  seed  of  evil-doers, 
transgressors  from  the  womb,  shapen  in  iniquity, 
and  conceived  in  sin  1  Our  transgressions  are 
muhiplied  before  thee,  and  testify  against  us. 

We  humble  ourselves  in  thy  sight  for  all  our 
iniquities,  and  particularly  for  those  which  we 
have  committed  during  the  past  week. 

We  are  sorry  and  ashamed  that  we  have  had  thy 
glory  so  httle  before  our  eyes.  We  have  sinned 
against  thee,  our  neighbour,  and  ourselves.  By 
leaving  undone  what  thou  hast  commanded,  and 
by  doing  that  which  thou  hast  forbidden,  we  have 
broken  thy  law,  in  thought,  and  word,  and  deed. 

If  thou.  Lord,  art  extreme  to  mark  what  we 
have  done  amiss,  O  Lord,  who  may  abide  1  Lay 
not,  we  pray  thee,  our  sins  to  our  charge,  but 
wash  them  away  in  the  fountain  which  thou  hast 
opened  for  sin  and  for  uncleanness. 

O  God,  the  Father  of  heaven,  have  mercy 
upon  us,  miserable  sinners. 

O  God,  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world,  have 
mercy  upon  us,  miserable  sinners. 

O  God,  the  Holy  Ghost,  proceeding  from  the 
Father  and  the  Son,  have  mercy  upon  us,  miser- 
able sinners. 

O  holy,  blessed,  and  glorious  Trinity,  three 
persons  and  one  God,  have  mercy  upon  us, 
miserable  sinners. 

9 


90 


SECOND  WEEK. 


And  while  we  pray  thee  to  pardon  the  sins 
which  we  have  most  grievously  committed  against 
thy  divine  Majesty,  be  pleased,  O  thou  God  of 
holiness,  to  give  us  grace  and  strength  to  subdue; 
them.  Righteous  Father,  renew  us  after  thy  like- 
ness, in  righteousness  and  true  holiness.  Make 
us  holy,  as  thou  art  holy;  and  pure,  as  thou  art 
pure.  O  God,  make  clean  our  hearts  within  us, 
and  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us. 

And,  seeing  that  life  is  short  and  uncertain, 
and  that  every  week  brings  us  nearer  to  the  end 
of  all  things,  enable  us  to  lay  aside  every  weight, 
and  the  sin  that  doth  so  easily  beset  us ;  and  to 
run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  us, 
looking  unto  Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher  of 
our  faith. 

O  thou  who  alone  canst  order  the  unruly  wills 
and  affections  of  sinful  men,  grant  unto  us  that 
we  may  love  the  thing  which  thou  commandest, 
and  desire  that  which  thou  dost  promise  ;  that  so 
among  the  sundry  and  manifold  changes  of  the 
world,  our  hearts  may  surely  there  be  fixed, 
where  true  joys  are  to  be  found. 

Keep  us,  we  beseech  thee,  this  night,  under 
the  protection  of  thy  good  providence. 

Prepare  us,  both  in  body  and  soul,  for  the 
holy  duties  of  the  approaching  Sabbath.  Grant 
that,  as  thou  didst  rest  on  the  seventh  day,  after 
the  heavens  and  the  earth  were  finished,  and  all 
the  hosts  of  them,  and  didst  sanctify  and  bless  it, 
so  we  may  rest  from  the  work  of  our  hands,  and 
from  all  our  earthly  cares,  to  keep  the  Sabbath 
of  thee  our  God,  both  in  thy  house  of  prayer, 
and  also  in  our  dwelling. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  send  down  upon 


SATURDAY  EVENING.  91 

all  thy  ministers,  and  the  congregations  committed 
to  their  charge,  the  healthful  spirit  of  thy  grace  ; 
and,  that  they  may  truly  please  thee,  pour  upon 
them  the  continual  dew  of  thy  blessing. 

Preserve  thy  Church  in  the  unity  of  the  Spirit, 
and  in  the  bond  of  peace;  and  overrule  our  un- 
happy divisions  to  the  glory  of  thy  name.  As 
thou  hast  knit  together  thine  elect  in  one  com- 
munion and  fellowship  in  the  mystical  body  of 
thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord,  grant  us  grace 
so  to  follow  thy  blessed  saints  in  all  virtuous  and 
godly  living,  that  we  may  come  to  those  unspeak- 
able glories,  which  thou  hast  prepared  for  them 
that  unfeignedly  love  thee. 

Remember,  with  the  favour  which  thou  bearest 
unto  th\' people,  our  friends  and  relations;  espe- 
cially those  who  remember  us  in  their  prayers, 
and  those  who  desire  our  prayers  for  them.  And 
be  pleased  to  hear  our  petitions  for  each  other. 

Lastl}',  we  beseech  thee  to  give  unto  all  men 
those  things  which  are  requisite  and  necessary  as 
well  for  the  body  as  the  soul. 

Favourably  regard,  O  heavenly  Father,  this 
our  evening  sacrifice ;  and  answer  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  in  these,  and  all  our  prayers,  which  we 
have  made  before  thee  during  the  week,  pardon- 
ing what  has  been  sinful  in  us,  receiving  the 
glory  of  all  that  has  been  pleasing  in  thy  sight ; 
and  graciously  accepting  us,  and  our  imperfect 
service,  at  the  hands  of  Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom, 
with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honour  and 
glory,  world  without  end. 

Our  Father^  S^c,     The  Lord  bless  us,  Sfc^ 

THE  END  OF  THE  SECOND  WEEK. 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 


TSIRD    WXSBtf. 


9* 


Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed 
be  thy  name  ;  thy  kingdom  come  ;  thy  will 
be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven ;  give 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread ;  and  forgive  us 
our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who 
trespass  against  us;  and  lead  us  not  into 
temptation ;  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  for 
thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and 
the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen, 

God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  God  the 
Holy  Ghost,  bless,  preserve,  and  keep  us! 
The  Lord  mercifully  with  his  favour  look 
upon  us!  and  so  fill  us  with  all  spiritual 
benediction  and  grace,  that  we  may  so  live 
together  in  this  life,  that,  in  the  world  to 
come,  we  may  have  life  everlasting.  Amen, 


FAMILY    PHAYKRS. 


THIRD  WEEK. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 

Most  blessed  and  glorious  God,  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  great  in  counsel  and  wonderful  in  opera- 
tion, plenteous  in  goodness  and  abundant  in 
mercy,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  throughout  all 
the  world  !  Heaven  and  earth  are  full  of  the 
majesty  of  thy  glory.  Yea,  thou  hast  set  up 
thyself  above  the  heavens,  and  thy  glory  above 
all  the  earth:  and  thou  art  exalted  far  above  all 
blessing  and  praise. 

But  though  we  cannot  glorify  thee  as  we  ought, 
nor  praise  thee  as  thy  holy  angels,  who  excel  in 
strength,  or  as  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  per- 
fect, before  thy  throne,  yet  thou  art  pleased  to 
receive  the  services  of  thy  unworthy  servants, 
and  graciously  declarest,  that  whoso  offereth  thee 
praise,  he  glorifieth  thee.  We  therefore  desire 
to  exalt  and  laud  thy  name,  according  to  the 
ability  wherewith  thou  hast  blessed  us,  and  to 
pour  out  before  thee,  "this  morning,  the  voice  of 
joy  and  thanksgiving. 

Glory  be  unto  thee,  O  Father  Almighty,  that 
the  day-spring  from  on  high  hath  again  visited 
us,  and  that  the  light  of  another  Sabbath  hath 
dawned  upon  our  souls !  This  is  the  day  which 
thou  hast  made  for  man,  no  less  than  for  thyself; 
we  rejoice  and  are  glad  in  it. 


96  THIRD  WEEK. 

How  many  prophets  and  righteous  men  have 
desired  to  see  those  things  which  we  see,  and 
have  not  seen  them;  and  to  hear  those  things 
which  we  hear,  and  have  not  heard  them  ! 

Forgive,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  our  past 
abuse  of  thy  mercies,  and  teach  us  in  future 
more  diligently  to  improve  them. 

Especially  grant,  O  most  merciful  Father, 
from  whom  all  holy  desires,  all  good  counsels, 
and  all  just  works  do  come,  that  we  may  havo 
grace  whereby  we  may  serve  thee  acceptably 
this  day,  and  may  worship  and  obey  thee  as  we 
ought  to  do.  Give  unto  us  that  preparation  of 
heart  which  cometh  from  thee,  and  without  which 
all  our  services  will  be  nothing  worth. 

Dispose  us  to  love  the  habitation  of  thy  house, 
and  the  place  where  thy  honour  dwelleth ;  to  go 
into  thy  gates  with  thanksgiving,  and  into  tliy 
courts  with  praise ;  to  give  thanks  unto  thee,  and 
speak  good  of  thy  name. 

Sow  in  our  hearts  the  seed  of  eternal  life; 
that  whatsoever  in  thy  holy  word  we  shall  profit- 
ably learn,  we  may  indeed  fulfil  the  same. 

Grant  that  we  may  improve  not  only  the  or- 
dinances of  thy  house,  but  every  other  advant-. 
age  of  this  sacred  day  to  the  purpose  for  which 
thou  hast  vouchsafed  it. 

Help  us  to  examine  our  hearts,  to  consider  our 

ways,  to  search  thy  Scriptures,  to  meditate  on 

thy  love,  to  talk  of  all  thy  wondrous  works,  to 

seek  thy  face,  and  to  prepare  ourselves  for  thy 

kingdom. 

We  pray  tliee,  also,  to  pour  down  upon  all 

who  are  called  Christians,  the  abundance  of  thy 

mercy. 


SUNDAlf  MORNlNtf.  97 

Bless,  especially,  such  as  shall  assemble  with 
us  in  the  courts  of  thy  sanctuary.  Do  thou  gra- 
ciously rehearse  it,  when  thou  writest  up  thy 
people,  that  many  were  born  there,  and  trained 
up  for  their  heavenly  inheritance.  To  this  end 
may  it  please  thee  to  give  unto  them  increase  of 
grace,  to  hear  meekly  thy  word,  and  to  receive 
it  with  pure  affection,  and  to  bring  forth  the 
fruits  of  the  Spirit. 

And,  since  thou  hast  promised  to  be  with  thy 
ministering  servants  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world,  we  beseech  thee  plenteously  to  endue 
with  heavenly  gifts  such  as  shall  stand  up  in  thy 
name  this  day;  [particularly  him  who  is  ap- 
pointed to  declare  thy  counsel  unto  us.]  May 
they  preach  with  all  earnestness,  as  those  who 
stand  between  the  living  and  the  dead,  and  watch 
for  souls,  as  they  that  must  give  account. 

And  mercifully  grant,  that  as  the  rain  cometh 
clown,  and  the  snow  from  heaven,  and  returneth 
not  thither,  until  it  have  watered  the  earth,  and 
made  it  bring  forth  and  bud,  that  it  may  give 
seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread  to  the  eater;  so 
thy  word  may  be,  which  shall  go  forth  out  of 
their  mouths:  let  it  not  return  unto  thee  void; 
but  accomplish  that  which  thou  pleasest,  and 
])rosper  in  the  thing  whereunto  thou  sendest  it; 
that  so  neither  they  who  preach,  nor  they  who 
hear,  may  preach  or  hear  in  vain. 

We  ask  these  things,  O  Lord,  in  the  name, 
and  for  the  sake,  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Me- 
diator and  Advocate;  in  whose  comprehensive 
form  of  words  we  further  pray : 

Our  Father,  6^c,     God  the  Father,  Spc, 


98  THIRD  WEEK. 


SUNDAY  EVENING. 

O  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father  high  and  mighty. 
King  of  kings,  Lord  of  lords,  who  dost  from  thy 
throne  behold  all  the  dwellers  upon  earth,  most 
heartily  we  beseech  thee  with  thy  favour  to  be- 
hold this  thy  family,  whom  tliy  good  providence 
hath  preserved  to  the  evening  of  this  sacred  day. 

Mercifully  accept  our  humble  thanks  for  all 
the  blessings  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us. 
We  praise  thee  for  that  thou  hast  vouchsafed  to 
call  us  to  the  knowledge  of  thy  grace  and  faith 
in  thee;  and  for  continuing  to  bless  us  with  all 
spiritual  blessings  in  Christ  Jesus.  Increase  this 
knowledge,  and  confirm  this  faith  in  us  ever- 
more :  and  grant  that  we  may  improve  our  ma- 
nifold advantages  to  the  good  of  our  souls,  and 
to  the  glory  of  thy  name. 

Forgive,  we  beseech  thee,  whatever  thou  hast 
seen  amiss  in  us  and  our  services ;  and  deal  with 
us,  not  according  to  mn  deservings,  but  accord- 
ing to  thy  mercy,  O  Lord.  Think  on  thy  loving- 
kindnesses  which  have  been  ever  of  old.  Look 
upon  us,  and  be  merciful  unto  us,  as  thou  usest 
to  do  unto  those  that  love  thy  name. 

Through  the  blood  of  thy  beloved  Son,  grant 
unto  us  pardon  and  peace;  that  we  may  be 
cleansed  irom  all  our  sins,  and  may  serve  thee 
with  a  quiet  mind. 

May  thy  Holy  Scriptures,  which  we  have 
heard,  or  read,  be  applied  to  our  hearts  in  the 
demonstration  of  the  Spirit,  and  of  power. 

Thy  word  is  pure,  converting  ihe  soul.  Enable 
us  to  take  it,  throughout  the  week,  as  a  light  unto 


SUNDAY  EVENING.  99 

our  (eet^  and  a  lamp  unto  our  paths.  Quicken  us 
according  to  its  heavenly  precepts. 

Grant  that  every  Sabbath  may  be  the  means 
of  increasing  our  hungering  and  thirsting  after 
righteousness,  and  of  making  us  more  earnest  in 
furthering  our  own  salvation,  and  the  salvation 
of  our  fellow-creatures. 

So  assist  us  by  thy  grace,  that  we  may  come 
behind  in  no  spiritual  gift;  but  may  follow  after 
holiness,  godliness,  faith,  charity,  purity,  and 
every  good  word  and  work.  And  do  thou,  the 
very  God  of  peace,  sanctify  us  wholly;  and  pre- 
serve our  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and  body, 
blameless,  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

Hear  our  prayers  for  the  Universal  Church; 
for  all  who  are  sanctified  in  Christ  Jesus;  with 
all  who  have,  in  every  place,  this  day,  called 
upon  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord,  both 
theirs  and  ours. 

We  pray,  especially,  for  those  with  whom  we 
have  taken  sweet  counsel  together,  or  gone  to 
thy  house  in  company. 

Favourably  with  mercy  regard  our  country. 

Save  and  defend  all  in  authority. 

Bless  those  who  are  endeavouring  to  promote 
among  us  that  righteousness  which  exalteth  a 
nation. 

And,  when  any  of  the  excellent  of  the  earth 
are  removed,  raise  up  others  in  their  stead,  en- 
dued with  a  double  portion  of  their  spirit. 

And  that  they  may  never  be  wanting  a  regular 
supply  of  fit  and  able  persons  to  serve  thee,  both 
in  the  Church  and  in  the  State,  we  beg  thy  bless- 
ing on  all  schools  and  seminaries  of  sound  learn- 


100  THIRD  WEEK. 

ing  and  religious  education ;  that  useful  knowledge 
and  true  religion  may  continue  among  us  for  all 
generations. 

We  likewise  pray  thee  in  behalf  of  all  the 
ministers  of  thy  Gospel,  especially  those  of  our 
own  Church.  Prosper  them  in  their  work  of 
faith  and  labour  of  love.  And  grant  that  many 
may  appear  as  their  hope,  and  joy,  and  crown 
of  rejoicing,  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  at  his  coming. 

Comfort  and  support  all  those  who  are  labour- 
ing among  Heathen  nations,  and  are  endeavour- 
ing to  bring  them  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth. 
For  Zlon's  sake,  let  them  not  hold  their  peace; 
and,  for  Jerusalem's  sake,  let  them  not  rest,  until 
the  righteousness  thereof  go  forth  as  brightness, 
and  the  salvation  thereof  as  a  lamp  that  burnetii; 
till  the  Gentiles  see  thy  righteousness,  and  all  the 
kings  of  the  earth  thy  glory. 

Awake,  awake,  put  on  strength,  O  arm  of  the 
Lord ;  awake,  as  in  the  ancient  days,  as  in  the 
generations  of  old.  Gather  together  thy  elect  out 
of  every  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people,  and 
nation ;  and  bring  them  from  the  east,  and  from 
the  west,  and  from  the  north,  and  from  the  south. 

Embrace  us,  and  all  whom  we  love,  tliis  night, 
with  the  arms  of  thy  mercy;  and,  as  thou  hast 
promised  in  thy  holy  word,  give  unto  us  the 
blessing  of  eternal  life,  and  make  us  partakers 
of  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

Grant  this,  O  merciful  Father,  for  Jesus 
Christ's  sake ;  in  whose  name  we  offer  up  these 
and  all  our  petitions  to  the  throne  of  grace ;  and 
in  whose  words  we  further  call  upon  thee : 

Our  Father^  ^^c.     God  the  Father^  ^c. 


MONDAY  MOR.MXG.  101 


MONDAY  MORNING. 

O  God,  who  hast  added  to  the  number  of  our 
days,  and  hast  opened  our  eyes  to  behold  the 
light  of  another  morning,  we  beseech  thee  still 
to  look  upon  us,  and  to  bless  us;  show  us  the 
light  of  thy  countenance,  and  be  merciful  unto 
us.  Help  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation,  for  the 
glory  of  thy  name :  deliver  us,  and  take  away 
our  sins,  for  thy  mercy's  sake.  Pardon  and 
accept  us  in  thy  beloved  Son :  and  in  him  let  us 
find  plenteous  redemption. 

And  not  only  may  it  please  thee  to  blot  out 
our  offences,  but  also  to  vouchsafe  us  the  aid  of 
thy  holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  be  sorry  and 
ashamed  on  account  of  them,  and  be  enabled  to 
bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance. 

Dispose  us  this  day  to  serve  thee  faithfully,  in 
simplicity  and  godly  sincerity. 

Grant  that  the  good  seed  of  divine  truth,  which 
was  sown  in  our  hearts,  on  thy  holy  day,  may 
not  be  choked  with  the  cares,  or  business,  or 
pleasures  of  this  life.  But  water  it  abundantly 
with  the  dew  of  thy  blessing;  and  cause  it  to 
bring  forth  fruit  to  perfection.  Let  us  not  be 
forgetful  hearers,  but  doers  of  thy  word ;  show- 
ing ourselves,  in  all  things,  a  pattern  of  good 
works, 

O  thou  who  hast  thyself  suffered  for  sin  in  the 
flesh,  arm  us  likewise  with  the  same  mind ;  that 
we  may  no  longer  live  the  rest  of  our  time  in  the 
flesh,  to  the  lusts  of  men,  but  to  the  will  of  God. 

Constrain  us,  O  merciful  Father,  to  walk  wor- 
thy of  the  vocation  wherewith  we  are  called,  with 
10 


Wi  THIRD   WEEK. 

all  lowliness  and  meekness,  with  long-suflering, 
forbearing  one  another  in  love;  endeavouring  to 
keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace. 

Help  us  to  love  our  neighbour  as  ourselves; 
and  to  do  unto  all  men  as  wo  would  they  should 
do  unto  us. 

May  we  be  jealous  over  our  own  hearts,  and 
daily  keep  them  with  all  diligence,  remembering 
that  out  of  them  are  the  issues  of  life. 

Be  pleased  also,  O  God,  to  set  a  watch  about 
our  mouths,  and  to  keep  the  door  of  our  lips, 
that  no  communication  may  proceed  out  of  them, 
but  that  which  is  good  for  the  use  of  edifying, 
that  it  may  minister  grace  unto  the  hearers. 
And  may  we  always  bear  in  mind,  that  every 
idle,  as  well  as  every  profane  word  which  we 
shall  speak,  we  must  give  account  thereof  in  the 
day  of  judgment. 

Finally,  whatsoever  things  are  honest,  what- 
soever things  are  just,  whatsoever  things  are 
lovely,  whatsoever  things  are  of  good  report,  if 
there  be  any  virtue,  and  if  there  be  any  praise, 
may  we  think  on  these  things,  and  have  grace  to 
perform  them. 

Bow  down  thine  ear,  O  Lord,  and  hear  us,  in 
behalf  of  others. 

Do  thou,  who  art  the  wholesome  strength  and 
saving  health  of  thy  anointed,  pour  down  the 
dew  of  thy  blessing  on  all  the  congregations  of 
thy  people ;  particularly  on  that  which  worship- 
ped with  us  in  thy  holy  temple,  on  the  day  that 
is  past.  May  they  hold  fast  the  form  of  sound 
words,  in  faith  and  love,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 
By  well-doing  cause  them  to  put  to  silence  the 
ignorance  of  foolish  men ;  that  they,  who  are  of 


MONDAY  MORNING.  lO'"^ 

tlie  contrary  part,  may  be  ashamed,  having  no 
<3vil  thing  to  say  of  them. 

And  grant,  O  most  gracious  God,  who  art  the 
author  of  peace,  and  the  lover  of  concord,  that 
the  miihitude  of  those  who  believe  in  our  days, 
as  in  the  days  of  old,  may  be  all  of  one  heart, 
and  of  one  soul;  and  let  there  be  no  schism  in 
the  body  of  Christ. 

We  pray  thee,  also,  thou  who  art  the  portion 
and  inheritance  of  such  as  wait  at  thy  altar,  to 
bless  all  the  ministers  and  dispensers  of  tliy  holy 
word  and  sacraments:  [especially  thy  servant 
whom  thou  hast  appointed  to  minister  unto  us.] 
May  they  not  neglect  the  gift  that  is  in  them ; 
but  take  heed  to  the  ministry  which  they  have 
received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  they  fulfil  it. 
Give  them  thy  blessing  in  all  their  ways.  Be 
with  them  in  their  intercourse  with  their  people, 
in  their  private  meditations,  and  in  all  their 
zealous  endeavours  to  promote  the  glory  of  thy 
name.  Let  not  their  labour  of  love  be  in  vain; 
but  make  the  weapons  of  their  warfare  mighty  to 
the  pulling  down  of  the  strong  holds  of  sin  and 
Satan ;  that  the  wicked  may  no  longer  triumjjh 
in  their  wickedness,  but  be  converted  from  the 
error  of  their  ways. 

And  hasten,  O  Lord,  the  fulfilment  of  thy 
word,  that,  in  every  nation  of  the  earth,  all  men 
shall  know  thee,  from  the  greatest  to  the  least. 

Now  unto  thee,  who  art  able  to  keep  us  from 
falling,  and  to  present  us,  faultless,  before  the 
presence  of  thy  glory,  with  exceeding  joy,  even 
unto  thee,  the  only  wise  God,  our  Saviour,  be 
glory  and  majesty,  dominion  and  power,  hence- 
forth and  for  evermore. 

Our  Father^  S^c.     God  the  Father,  SfQ. 


104 


THIRD  WEEK. 


MONDAY  EVENING. 


Almighty  God,  who  alone  art  able  to  help  our 
infirmities,  pour  down  upon  us  the  spirit  of  grace 
and  supplication.  O  Lord,  teach  us  to  pray. 
Enable  us  so  to  draw  nigh  unto  thee,  that  we 
may  not  be  denied  the  request  of  our  lips;  but 
may  be  heard  and  answered  through  the  merits 
and  mediation  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ. 

Thy  mercy  is  from  everlasting  to  everlasting, 
and  over  all  th}^  works.  May  it  now  be  shed 
abundantly  upon  us,  who  are  assembled  together 
to  confess  our  manifold  sins  and  wickedness, 
and  humbly  to  implore  forgiveness  at  thy  hands. 
Pardon  the  offences  of  thy  servants,  and  cover 
all  our  iniquities.  Take  away  thy  displeasure, 
and  turn  thyself  from  thy  wrathful  indignation. 
We  are,  indeed,  miserable  sinners,  and  justly 
deserve  to  be  punished  according  to  the  sentence 
of  thy  righteous  law. 

But  thou  dost  assure  us,  that  there  is  no  con?- 
demnation  to  them  that  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  and 
that  he  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to 
every  one  that  beheveth.  We  beseech  thee, 
therefore,  to  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  account 
us  righteous  before  thee  only  for  his  sake,  by 
faith,  and  not  for  our  own  works  and  deservings. 
And,  for  as  much  as  thou  hast,  of  thy  great  good- 
ness, called  us  to  thy  kingdom  and  glory,  enable 
us,  O  Lord,  to  obey  thy  call.  May  we  be  justi- 
fied freely,  and  become  thy  children  by  adoption 
and  grace:  may  we  be  made  like  the  image  of 
thy  only-begotten   Son   Jesqs   Christ:    ip^y  we 


MONDAY   EVENING.  105 

walk  religiously  in  all  good  works ;  and  at  length, 
through  thy  mercy,  attain  unto  the  kingdom  which 
thou  hast  promised  through  the  same,  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 

Glory  he  unto  thee,  O  heavenly  Father,  for 
the  blessed  hope  of  eternal  life  which  is  set  be- 
fore us. 

How  great  is  thy  goodness  which  thou  hast  in 
store  for  them  that  love  thee  !  We  give  thanks 
unto  thee,  O  Lord;  and  sing  praises  unto  thy 
name,  O  thou  Most  Highest.  Who  shall  not  sing 
praises  unto  thy  name,  which  is  great,  wonderful, 
and  holy  !  Help  us  to  show  forth  thy  loving- 
kindness  in  the  morning,  and  thy  faithfulness 
every  night. 

And,  that  we  may  offer  unto  thee  spiritual 
sacrifices,  acceptable  unto  thee,  through  the  Son 
of  thy  love,  let  not  our  praise  proceed  out  of 
feigned  lips,  but  from  the  ground  of  our  bean". 
Grant  that  our  souls,  and  all  that  is  within  us, 
may  bless  thy  holy  name.  Grant  that,  at  the 
close  of  every  day,  thy  love  may  be  more  abun- 
dantly shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  constrain  us  more  perfectly  to  show 
forth  thy  praise,  who  callest  us  out  of  darkness 
into  marvellous  liglit. 

And,  whenever  it  shall  please  thee  to  take  us 
hence,  prepare  us  to  join  the  multitude  before 
thy  throne,  who  evermore  praise  thee,  saying. 
Glory  to  God  in  the  highest. 

To  these  praises  and  supplications  for  our- 
selves, we  w^ould  add  our  hearty  intercessions 
for  our  fellow- creatures. 

Convince  such  as  are  ungodly  among  us,  of  all 
the  iinjrodlv  deeds  which  thev  have  unsrodly  com- 
10*    "^ 


106  THIRD  WEEK. 

raitted  against  thee.  Turn  them  from  their  evil 
ways,  that  they  may  live,  and  not  die.  Lead 
them  to  know  and  to  feel  that  the  wages  of  sin 
is  death;  and  stir  them  up  to  seek  the  gift  of 
eternal  life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Look  especially  on  those  whom  sin  has  bowed 
down  for  many  years,  and  whom  the  infirmities 
of  age  are  encompassing  round  about.  Give 
them  grace  to  redeem  the  time  that  remains,  and 
to  spend  the  remnant  of  their  days  in  thy  faith 
and  fear.  Spare  them  a  little  before  they  depart 
hence,  and  are  no  more  seen  ;  and  let  not  their 
gray  hairs  be  brought  down  with  sorrow  to  the 
grave. 

We  pray,  also,  for  those  who  have  borne,  in 
thy  vineyard,  the  heat  and  burden  of  the  day 
of  life.  Forsake  them  not,  O  God,  in  their  old 
acre,  until  they  have  shown  thy  strength  to  this 
generation,  and  thy  power  to  those  who  are  yet 
for  to  come.  And  when  their  flesh  and  their 
heart  fail  them,  do  thou,  O  God,  who  never 
failest  them  that  trust  in  thee,  become  the  strength 
of  their  heart,  and  their  portion  for  ever. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  to  accept  this  our 
evening  sacrifice  of  prayer  and  thanksgiving. 
Receive  us,  and  all  for  whom  we  have  prayed, 
and  for  whom  we  ought  to  pray,  to  thy  fatherly 
protection,  this  night  and  for  evermore,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who,  in  compassion  to 
our  infirmities,  taught  us  thus  to  address  thee : — 
Our  Father.,  ^^c.     God  the  Father,  Sfc, 


TUESDAY    MORNING.  107 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 

O  God,  our  refuge  and  strength,  who  art  the 
author  of  all  godliness,  be  ready,  we  beseech 
thee,  to  hear  the  j^rayers  of  thy  servants  ;  and 
grant  that  those  things  which  wc  ask  faithfully, 
we  may  obtain  effectually,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord. 

The  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee,  O  God,  and 
thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season.  Thou 
openest  thy  hand,  and  fiUest  all  things  living 
with  plenteousness. 

AVe  acknowledge  our  entire  and  continual  de- 
pendence upon  thy  bountiful  providence.  Our 
wants  are  many  and  great ;  and  we  have  no 
power  of  ourselves  to  help  ourselves.  We  desire 
thee,  therefore,  O  Lord  God,  our  heavenly  Fa- 
tlier,  who  art  the  giver  of  all  goodness,  to  send 
thy  grace  unto  us,  that  we  may  worship  thee, 
serve  thee,  and  obey  thee,  as  we  ought  to  do; 
give  us  all  things  that  are  needful  both  for  our 
bodies  and  our  souls :  be  merciful  unto  us,  and 
forgive  us  our  sins:  save  and  defend  us  in  all 
dangers,  ghostly  and  bodily ;  keep  us  from  all  sin 
and  wickedness,  and  from  our  spiritual  enemy, 
and  from  everlasting  death  ;  and  this  we  trust 
thou  wilt  do,  of  thy  mercy  and  goodness,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

And  since  thou  hast  spared  us  through  another 
night,  and  brought  us  together  before  thy  foot- 
stool, dispose  us  to  give  up  ourselves  afresh  to 
thee  and  to  thy  service,  and  to  join  ourselves  to 
thee  in  a  perpetual  covenant,  never  to  be  for- 
gotten. 


108  THIRD  WEEK. 

Enable  us  to  go  forth  to  our  several  om))lG\- 
ments,  remembering  that  thy  vows  are  upon  us^ 
and  determined,  in  thy  strength,  faithfully  to 
perform  the  same. 

Grant  that  every  morning  may  find  our  hearts 
more  enlarged  to  run  the  way  of  thy  command- 
ments. May  it  become  more  and  more  the 
earnest  desire  of  our  souls,  and  the  great  business 
of  our  lives,  to  work  out  our  salvation  with  fear 
and  trembling;  and  do  thou,  Almighty  God, 
continually  work  in  us  both  to  will  and  to  do  of 
thy  good  pleasure. 

Let  our  conversation  be  daily  in  heaven,  and 
our  whole  behaviour  such  as  becometh  holiness. 

Let  our  moderation  be  known  unto  all  men. 
Make  us  sober  and  temperate  in  our  enjoyments.; 
and  give  us  grace  to  use  such  abstinence,  that, 
our  llesh  being  subdued  to  the  spirit,  we  may 
ever  obey  thy  godly  motions,  in  righteousness 
and  true  holiness,  to  thy  honour  and  glory. 

Preserve  us  from  being  ensnared  and  over- 
come by  the  trials  and  temptations  of  a  world 
that  lieth  in  wickedness. 

Save  us  from  that  fear  of  man  which  bringeth 
a  snare. 

While  we  are  willing  to  become  all  things  to 
all  men,  for  their  spiritual  good,  keep  us  from 
making  shipwreck  of  faith  and  a  good  conscience. 

Let  us  not  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  by  it  may  the  world  be  cruci- 
fied unto  us,  and  we  unto  the  world.  May  we 
never  be  ashamed  of  thee,  or  of  thy  Gospel;  but 
so  faithfully  confess  thee  before  men,  that  thou 
mayest  confess  us  before  the  angels  which  arc  in 
heaven. 


TUESDAY  MORNING.  109 

While  we  implore  these  great  blessings  at  thy 
himcis,  help  us  to  praise  tliee  sincerely  for  those 
wliich  we  have  already  received,  and  are  con- 
tinually receiving  from  thee. 

Many,  O  Lord  God,  are  the  wonderful  works 
which  thou  hast  done,  and  thy  thoughts  which 
are  to  us  ward.  We  cannot  reckon  them.  If 
we  would  declare  them,  and  speak  of  them,  they 
are  more  than  we  are  able  to  express. 

Praised  be  thy  name  daily ;  even  thine,  O  God, 
who  helpest  us,  and  pourest  thy  benefits  upon  us. 
Praised  be  thy  name  from  the  rising  of  the  sun 
to  the  going  down  of  the  same,  and  from  this 
time  forth  for  evermore. 

Hearken,  O  God,  to  the  voice  of  our  inter- 
cession for  others. 

Open  wide  thy  hand,  and  fill  all  things  living 
with  plenteousness. 

Encompass  thy  people  with  blessings  on  every 
side,  and  no  good  thing  do  thou  withhold  from 
such  as  walk  uprightly. 

May  it  please  thee  to  succour,  help,  and 
comfort  all  that  are  in  danger,  necessity,  and 
tribulation  ;  especially  our  friends,  benefactors, 
and  relations.  Let  them  not  despise  thy  chas- 
tening, nor  be  weary  of  thy  correction,  nor  faint 
when  they  are  rebuked  of  thee;  but  let  their 
ribulation  work  patience ;  their  patience,  expe- 
dience; and  their  experience,  hope;  and  their 
hope,  let  it  not  make  ashamed;  but  let  thy  love 
)e  shed  abroad  in  their  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost 
riven  unto  them.  Grant  this,  O  Father,  for 
/esus  Christ's  sake. 

Our  Father,  l^^c.     Gad  the  Father,  S^c, 


110 


THIRD  WEEK. 


TUESDAY   EVENING. 


Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  througJi  wliose 
merciful  kindness  we  are  preserved  from  da}'^  to 
day,  we  approach  thy  throne  of  grace  this  even- 
ing, in  the  name  of  thy  beloved  Son. 

Through  him  we  are  encouraged  to  trust  in 
thee,  not  only  for  our  preservation,  and  all  the 
blessings  of  the  present  life,  but  for  the  pardon 
of  our  sins,  and  the  blessings  of  the  life  that  is  to 
come. 

Look  down  upon  us,  therefore,  in  mercy,  for 
his  sake,  who  lived  for  us,  and  died,  and  rose 
again,  and  sitteth  at  thy  right  hand,  ever  living 
to  make  intercession  for  us. 

Deliver  us  from  all  our  sins,  for  the  glory  of  thy 
name.  Redeem  us  from  the  curse  of  the  law, 
through  him  who  was  made  a  curse  for  us.  May 
we  so  believe  on  his  name,  that  our  faith  may 
be  counted  for  righteousness.  Receive  us  gra- 
ciously— forgive  us  freely.  Blot  out  from  the 
book  of  thy  remembrance  all  our  transgressions, 
and  let  them  not  be  brought  forward  against  us. 

And  grant,  O  Lord,  that  we  may  show  our- 
selves partakers  of  thy  grace,  by  holding  the 
beginning  of  our  confidence  firm  unto  the  end. 
May  we  not  be  of  those  who  draw  back  unto 
perdition,  but  of  those  who  believe  to  the  saving 
of  the  soul. 

We  look  up  unto  thee,  thou  compassionate 
High  Priest,  who  alone  art  able  to  keep  us  from 
falling. 

We  beseech  thee,  by  the  mystery  of  thy  holy 
incarnation ;  by  thy  holy  nativity  and  circumci- 


TUESDAY  EVENING.  Ill 

sion  ;  by  thy  baptism,  fasting,  and  temptation ;  by 
thine  agony  and  bloody  sweat;  by  thy  cross  and 
passion;  by  thy  precious  death  and  burial;  by 
thy  glorious  resurrection  and  ascension ;  and  by 
the  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  good  Lord,  deliver 
us.  Be  mercifully  touched  with  the  feeling  of 
our  infirmities,  and  remember  whereof  we  are 
made.  Carry  on  in  our  souls,  from  day  to  day, 
the  work  of  faith  with  power.  Fill  us  with  the 
knowledge  of  thy  will  in  all  wisdom  and  spiritual 
understanding.  Strengthen  us  with  might,  ac- 
cording to  thy  glorious  power,  that  we  may  walk 
worthy  of  thee  unto  all  pleasing;  being  fruitful  in 
every  good  work,  and  increasing  in  the  know- 
ledge of  God. 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  O  Lord,  in  behalf 
of  those  for  whom  we  ought  to  pray. 

Have  compassion  on  the  ignorant,  and  on  them 
that  are  out  of  the  w?iy.  Open  their  eyes  to  see 
that  destruction  and  misery  are  in  all  their  paths; 
and  graciously  lead  them  in  the  way  of  peace, 
which  they  have  not  known. 

Remember  those  who  mourn  for  sin.  Be  nigh 
unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart;  and  save 
such  as  be  of  a  contrite  spirit.  Though  heaviness 
endure  for  a  night,  let  joy  come  in  the  morning. 

Bring  back  to  thy  fold  all  who  have  wandered 
from  the  way  of  righteousness.  Though  thou 
visit  their  offences  with  the  rod,  and  their  iniquity 
with  scourges,  nevertheless  thy  loving-kindness  do 
not  utterly  take  from  them,  nor  suffer  thy  truth 
to  fail. 

O  Lord,  save  thy  people,  and  bless  thine 
heritage.  May  they  continue  in  the  faith,  ground- 
ed and  settled,  and  not  be  moved  away  from  the 


112  THIRD  WEEK. 

hope  of  the  Gospel.  And  as  many  as  walk  ac" 
cording  to  this  rule,  peace  be  upon  them,  and 
upon  the  Israel  of  God. 

We  now  desire,  O  heavenly  Father,  humbly 
to  commend  ourselves,  and  all  who  belong  to  us, 
unto  the  care  of  thy  good  providence. 

How  excellent  is  thy  loving-kindness,  O  God! 
Therefore  do  the  children  of  men  put  their  trust 
under  the  shadow  of  thy  wing;  and  therefore 
do  we,  thy  sinful  and  helpless  creatures,  implore 
thy  protection  through  the  hours  of  darkness. 
Watch  over  us  with  thy  all-seeing  eye,  and  vouch- 
safe unto  us  comfortable  sleep.  May  we  lie  down 
in  peace,  and  take  our  rest.  May  we  dwell 
safely,  and  be  quiet  from  fear  of  evil. 

And  keep  us  mindful,  O  Lord,  at  the  close  of 
every  day,  that  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand ; 
that  we  may  be  sober,  and  watch  unto  prayer. 
Stir  us  up  to  work,  while  it  is  called  to-day,  as 
those  who  know  that  the  night  of  death  cometh, 
when  we  can  work  no  longer. 

Grant  this  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  in  whose 
words  we  conclude  these  our  petitions. 

Our  Father^  i^'c.     God  the  Father^  ^c. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  God,  we  beseech  thee  mercifully  to 
behold  this  thy  family  of  sinful  creatures,  for 
whom  thy  blessed  Son  was  contented  to  be  be- 
trayed, and  given  up  into  the  hands  of  wicked 
men,  and  to  suffer  death  upon  the  cross.  Grant, 
that  drawing  nigh  unto  thee  in  his  name,  and 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  113 

pleading  before  thee  his  most  precious  blood- 
shedding,  we  may  be  made  partakers  of  the 
benefits  of  his  passion.  Dispose  us  to  receive 
into  our  hearts  that  faithful  saying,  which  is 
worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners.  Yea,  let  thy 
grace  be  exceeding  abundant  towards  us,  in  faith 
and  hope  which  is  in  him ;  that,  being  rooted 
and  grounded  therein,  we  may  grow  up  unto 
Chn'st  in  all  things. 

And  may  the  blood  of  him,  who  through  the 
Eternal  Spirit  oftered  himself  without  spot  ibr  our 
sins,  purge  our  conscience  from  dead  works  to 
serve  thee,  the  living  God. 

We  look  up  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  whose  never- 
failing  providence  ordereth  all  things  both  in 
heaven  and  earth,  for  thy  special  protection 
through  this  day. 

Put  away  from  us,  we  beseech  thee,  all  hurtful 
things,  and  give  us  those  things  which  shall  be 
profitable  for  us. 

May  we  go  forth  to  our  several  duties  with  thy 
blessing  upon  us,  until  the  evening.  And,  if  it 
please  thee,  give  us  success  in  our  worldly  em- 
ployments. 

But  save  us,  O  Lord,  from  a  worldly  mind, 
from  that  covetousness  which  is  idolatry  in  thy 
sight ;  and  from  that  undue  anxiety  as  to  the 
aflairs  of  the  present  life,  against  which  thou  hast 
mercifully  warned  us.  Let  us  take  heed  to  our- 
selves, and  beware  lest,  at  any  time,  our  hearts 
be  overcharged  with  the  cares  of  this  life,  and  we 
fall  into  temptation  and  a  snare,  and  into  those 
foolish  and  hurtful  lusts  which  drown  men  in  de- 
struction and  perdition. 

11 


114 


THIRD  TTEEK. 


Teach  us  to  devise  liberal  things ;  and  freely 
to  give  of  such  things  as  we  have. 

Endue  us  with  a  spirit  of  tenderness  and  com- 
passion for  the  distresses  of  all  around  us  ;  that 
we  may  not  only  rejoice  with  those  that  do  rejoice, 
but  weep  with  those  that  weep. 

Dispose  us  thankfully  to  take  everj^  occasion  of 
relieving  the  bodily  and  spiritual  wants  of  our 
fellow-creatures,  and  of  conforming  ourselves  to 
his  image,  who  went  about  doing  good,  and  left 
us  an  example  that  we  should  follow  his  steps. 

Make  us  steadfast  and  unmoveable;  always 
abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  knowing  that 
our  labour  shall  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

And,  when  the  days  of  our  pilgrimage  are 
drawing  to  a  close,  and  the  time  of  our  departure 
is  at  hand,  may  we  each  be  enabled  to  look  up 
unto  thee  in  humble  confidence,  and  say.  Lord, 
now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,. for 
mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation. 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us  in  behalf  of  our 
fellow-creatures. 

O  God,  who  hast  commanded  us  to  pray  one 
for  another,  regard  all  who  are  joined  to  us  in  the 
bonds  of  kindred,  friendship,  and  society;  and 
join  them  unto  thee  in  the  bonds  of  thy  everlasting 
covenant. 

O  God,  who  hast  commanded  us  to  pray  for 
those  who  despitefully  use  us,  and  persecute  us, 
be  merciful  to  all  our  enemies,  even  as  we  wish 
thee  to  be  merciful  unto  ourselves.  Make  them 
to  be  at  peace  with  us  and  with  thee  :  or  else 
do  thou  teach  us  not  to  be  overcome  of  evil,  but 
to  overcome  evil  with  good ;  and  thus  to  show 
tmto  them  a  more  excellent  way. 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING.  115 

O  God,  u'ho  hast  commanded  us  to  make  in- 
tercession for  tlie  prosperity  of  thy  people,  re- 
member the  Church  \v]iic4i  thou  hast  purchased 
with  thy  precious  blood ;  and  let  not  the  gates  of 
hell  prevail  against  it. 

O  God,  who  hast  commanded  us  t6  make 
prayers  and  supplications  for  all  men,  we  beseech 
thee,  finally,  to  bless  the  whole  human  race  ; 
giving  them  all  things  wliich  are  requisite  aad 
necessary,  as  well  for  the  body  as  the  soul. 

Now  unto  the  King  Eternal,  Immortal,  Invisi- 
ble, tlie  Only  Wise  God,  even  unto  thee,  be  all 
honour,  and  glory,  and  praise,  and  thanksgiving, 
henceforth  and  for  evermore,  through  Jesu;s 
Christ,  our  Lord. 

Our  Father^  S^c,     Ood  the  Father^  Sfc. 


WEDNESDAY   EVENING, 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  desirest  not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but 
hadst  rather  that  he  turn  from  his  wickedness  and 
live,  and  hast  declared  and  pronounced  to  thy 
people,  being  penitent,  the  absolution  and  remis- 
sion of  their  sins;  thou  pardonest  and  absolvest 
all  them  that  truly  repent^  and  unfeigned ly  be- 
lieve thy  holy  Gospel.  We,  tlierefore,  acknow- 
ledge our  manifold  oflences,  whereby  thou  art 
justly  displeased.  In  many  things  we  have  all 
oftended  thee;  in  pride,  in  impenitence,  in  hard- 
ness of  heart,  in  neglect  of  thy  word  and  the 
means  of  grace,  in  forgetfulness  of  thee,  and  in 
disobedience  to  tlie  commands  of  thy  dear  Son- 


116  THIRD  WEEK. 

We  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our 
righteousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags;  and  our  ini- 
quities, as  the  wind,  have  carried  us  away;  and 
we  all  do  fade  as  the  leaf. 

But  we  pray  thee,  O  Lord,  enter  not  into 
judgment  with  thy  servants.  We  are  humbled 
before  thee.  Remember  that  we  are  but  dust 
and  ashes.  Let  us  fall  into  thy  hand,  for  thy 
mercies  are  great,  and  thy  compassions  fail  not. 

Pardon,  we  beseech  thee,  all  our  sins;  and 
give  unto  us  true  repentance,  and  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  those  things  may  please  thee  which  we  do  at 
this  present,  and  that  the  rest  of  our  life  hereafter 
may  be  pure  and  holy ;  so  that,  at  the  last,  we 
may  come  to  thy  eternal  joy. 

But  whereas  vv-e  cannot,  by  our  best  services, 
make  any  satisfaction  for  the  sin  that  is  past,  we 
flee  unto  thy  cross,  O  Lamb  of  God,  who  hast 
made  there,  by  the  one  oblation  of  thyself,  once 
offered,  a  full,  perfect,  and  sufficient  sacrifice, 
oblation,  and  satisfaction,  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world. 

We  look  unto  thee,  who  wast  lifted  up  to  draw 
all  men  unto  thee;  and  we  entreat  thee  to  turn, 
and  look  upon  us;  that,  after  the  example  of  thy 
penitent  apostle,  who  went  out  and  wept  bitterl}^ 
we  may  mourn,  in  the  bitterness  of  our  souls,  for 
all  the  evils  which  we  have  done ;  and  may  feel 
that  godly  sorrow  which  workeih  repentance  unto 
salvation,  not  to  be  repented  of. 

O  Saviour  of  the  world,  who,  by  thy  cross 
and  precious  blood,  hast  redeemed  us,  save 
us,  and  help  us,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  O 
Lord. 

These  great  mercies,  which  we  have  implored 


WEDNESDAY  EVENJNO.  11  ?* 

for  ourselves,  be  pleased,  O  God,  to  extend  unto 
our  fellow  creatures. 

Let  repentance  and  remission  of  sins  be  preach- 
ed unto  all  nations. 

Ca<use  the  wicked  to  forsake  his  way,  and  tho 
unrighteous  man  his  thoughts;  and  let  him  return 
unlo  thee,  that  thou  maj'est  have  mercy  upon  him, 
and  abundantly  pardon  him. 

Give  thy  blessing  to  the  righteous;  and  with  thy 

favourable  kindness  defend  him,  as  with  a  shield. 

May  those  who  profess  to  know  thee,  but  in 

works  deny  thee,  no  longer  have  a  name  to  live, 

while  yet  they  are  dead  before  thee. 

Have  compassion  upon  those  who  are  grown 
lukewarm  in  thy  service.  May  they  be  zealous 
and  repent,  and  do  their  first  works.  Give  them 
the  comfort  of  thy  help  again;  and  stablish  them 
with  thy  free  Spirit. 

Look  especially  oh  such  as  are  bowed  down 
greatly  with  their  sins;  to  whom  the  remembrance 
of  them  is  grievous,  and  the  burden  thereof  in- 
tolerable. Compass  them  about  with  songs  of 
deliverance.  Give  them  a  right  understanding:  of 
themselvea,  and  of  thy  threats  and  promises,  that 
they  may  neither  cast  away  their  confidence,  nor 
place  it  any  where  but  in  thee.  Shut  not  up  thy 
loving-kindness  in  displeasure;  but  make  them 
to  hear  of  joy  and  gladness;  that  the  bones  which 
thou  hast  broken  may  rejoice.  Deliver  thcni 
from  fear  of  the  enemy:  lift  up  the  light  of  thy 
countenance  upon  them;  and  give  them  thy 
peace,  which  passeth  all  understanding. 

We  entreat  thee,  also,  to  accept  our  thanks  for 
the  blessings  which  we  have  hitherto  received, 
AVe  praise  thee  for  the  comforts  aad  protection 
11* 


118  THIUD  WEEK. 

of  the  past  day;  for  we  are  unable  to  d.eieiid 
ourselves,  and  unworthy  to  be  defended  by  thee. 

We  bless  thee  for  providing  for  us  a  place  of 
rest  by  night;  for  thy  beloved  Son,  when  he  was 
upon  earth,  had  not  where  to  lay  his  head.  Thou 
only  art  he  who  makest  us  continually  to  dwell  in 
safety.  We  beseech  thee,  therefore,  most  mighty 
God,  who  art  the  protector  of  all  that  trust  in  thee, 
without  whom  nothing  is  strong,  nothing  is  holy, 
to  watch  over  us,  and  keep  us  through  the  hours 
of  darkness. 

Increase  and  multiply  upon  us  thy  mercy,  from 
day  to  day;  that,  thou  being  our  ruler  and  guide, 
we  may  so  pass  through  things  temporal,  that  we 
finally  lose  not  the  things  that  are  eternal. 

Grant  this,  O  heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus 
Christ's  sake,  our  Lord. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.     God  the  Father,  Sfc. 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  God,  whose  eyes  run  to  and  fro 
throughout  all  the  earth,  to  show  thyself  strong 
in  behalf  of  those  who  fear  thee,  we  adore  and 
magnify  thee,  as  the  author  of  all  our  blessings, 
and  the  source  of  all  our  happiness. 

Every  good  gift,  and  every  perfect  gift,  is  from 
above,  and  cometh  down  from  thee,  the  Father 
of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  variableness,  neither 
shadow  of  turning. 

Thou  preservest  to  us  our  life  and  health,  our 
food  and  raiment,  our  friends  and  benefactors, 
our  private  and  public  blessings,  the  means  of 


THURSDAY  MORNING.  119 

grace  and  the  hope  of  glory.  Thou  art  worthy 
of  our  highest  adoration,  our  livehest  gratitude, 
and  our  most  unfeigned  praise. 

But  wherewithal  shall  we  come  before  thee  *? 
And  how  shall  we  give  unto  thee  the  honour  due 
unto  thy  name  ]  All  that  we  have  is  unworthy 
of  thy  regard ;  and  our  best  returns  serve  only  to 
remind  us,  how  gracious  thou  art  in  receiving 
them.  Not  for  our  sakes,  O  Lord,  not  for  our 
sakes,  dost  thou  continue  to  bless  us  from  day  to 
day,  and  permit  us  to  come  into  thy  presence  ; 
but  because  thou  delightest  in  mercy  ;  because 
thy  goodness  is  from  everlasting  to  everlasting; 
and  because,  above  all,  thou  hast  respect  unto  the 
sacrifice  of  thy  beloved  Son,  who  gave  himself  a 
ransom  for  our  souls. 

For  his  sake,  O  Lord,  continue  to  us  all  our 
blessings  ;  and  be  gracious  unto  us  even  as  thou 
art  wont.  Grant  that  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies 
in  Christ  Jesus  may  ever  triumph  over  the  multi- 
tude of  our  sins;  and  that  our  supplications  and 
praises,  stained  as  they  are  with  imperfection  and 
defilement,  may,  through  his  most  precious  blood- 
shedding,  daily  enter  with  acceptance  into  thy 
ears.,  O  Lord  of  hosts. 

In  his  all-prevailing  name  we  beseech  thee  to 
look  down  upon  us  in  compassion  this  morning. 
Let  thy  thoughts  towards  us  be  thoughts  of  peace, 
and  not  of  evil. 

As  thou  hast  kept  us  from  the  terror  by  night, 
and  from  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness, 
so  may  it  please  thee  to  save  us  from  the  arrow 
that  flieth  by  day,  and  from  the  destruction  that 
wasteth  at  noon.  Especially  save  us  from  those 
who  lie  in  wait  for  our  souls. 


120  THIRD  WEEK. 

O  God,  merciful  Father,  tliat  despisest  not  the 
sighing  of  a  contrite  hearty  nor  the  desire  of  such 
as  be  sorrowful,  mercifully  assist  our  prayers  that 
we  make  before  thee,  in  all  our  troubles  and  ad- 
versities, whensoever  they  oppress  us  ;  and  gra- 
ciously hear  us,  that  those  evils  which  the  craft 
and  subtlety  of  the  devil  or  man  worketh  agahist 
us,  be  brought  to  nought,  and  by  the  providence 
of  thy  goodness  they  may  be  dispersed,  that  we-, 
thy  servants,  being  hurt  by  no  persecutions,  may 
evermore  give  thanks  unto  thee,  and  praise  thy 
holy  name. 

Enable  us  to  pass  this  day,  and  all  our  days, 
in  thy  faith  and  fear. 

Preserve  us,  that  our  minds  be  not  overcharged 
with  the  cares  of  this  life. 

Make  us  humble  in  prosperity;  and  patient  and 
thankful  in  the  time  of  adversity. 

Suffer  us  not  to  be  occupied  in  ungodly  works 
with  the  men  that  work  wickedness.  Let  us  not 
do  the  things  that  please  them,  and  so  become 
partakers  of  their  sins.  But  give  us  grace  to  set 
our  face  as  a  rock  against  sin,  and  vanity,  and 
€very  appearance  of  evil ;  and  let  not  our  hearts 
be  inclined  to  any  evil  thing,  but  only  to  tliat 
which  pleaseth  thee. 

Thou  hast  showed  us,  O  Lord,  what  is  good, 
and  what  thou  requirest  of  us.  Help  us  to  obey 
thy  commandment,  to  do  justly,  to  love  mercy, 
and  to  walk  humbly  with  thee,  our  God.  And, 
having  received  how  we  ought  to  walk  and  please 
thee,  may  we  abound  more  and  more.  A^ouch- 
safe,  we  beseech  thee,  continuall}'  to  direct, 
sanctify,  and  govern,  both  our  hearts  and  bodies 
in  the  ways  of  thy  laws,  and  in  the  works  of  thy 


THURSDAY  EVENING.  121 

commandments;  that  through  thy  most  mighty 
protection,  both  here  and  ever,  we  may  be  pre- 
served in  body  and  soul. 

O  thoLi  God  of  kingdoms,  and  Lord  of  heaven 
and  earth,  give  thy  blessing  to  all  nations;  espe- 
cially to  that  in  which  thou  hast  cast  our  lot. 

We  are,  indeed,  a  sinful  people,  laden  with 
iniquity;  and  it  is  entirely  of  thy  mercies  that  we 
have  not  been  consumed.  But  continue,  we  pray 
thee,  to  spare  and  bless  us:  anc  grant  that  all  thy 
goodness  towards  us  may  lead  us  to  repentance. 
Be  thou  our  God,  and  may  we  be  thy  people ; 
that  all  the  world  may  know  that  thou  art  our 
Defender  and  Almighty  Deliverer. 

Blf'ss  the  neighbourhood  in  which  we  dwells 
and  the  families  with  whom  we  are  more  imme- 
diately connected.  May  they  be  taught  of  thee 
to  be  kindly  affectioned  one  toward  another;  and 
to  dwell  together  in  peace  and  love.  And  do  th-^u, 
the  God  of  peace  and  love,  be  with  them  now  and 
evermore. 

We  further  pray  thee  to  shed  thy  favour  and 
blessing  upon  this  family.  Increase  our  love  t« 
thee,  and  to  each  other;  and  make  it  our  delight 
thus  to  meet  before  thy  throne,  to  offer  up  our 
prayers  and  praises,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our 
only  Mediator  and  Advocate. 

Our  Father,  4*c.      God  the  Father,  Sfc. 


THURSDAY  EVENING. 

Almighty  and  Eternal  God,  who  showest  thyself 
to  be  a  jealous  God,  and  wilt  not  give  thy  glory 


122  THIRD  WEEK. 

to  another,  thou  hast  commanded  us  to  worship 
thee,  the  Lord  our  God,  and  thee  only  to  serve  : 
and  we  acknowledge  that  this  is  our  reasonable 
service,  and  our  bounden  duty. 

But  we  confess,  with  shame  and  sorrow,  that 
we  have  not  glorified  thee  as  we  ought,  and  have 
not  given  unto  thee  the  honour  which  is  due  unto 
thy  name. 

Though  thou  hast  preserved  us  from  the  sin  of 
our  forefathers,  in  bowing  down  to  graven  images, 
the  work  of  our  own  hands,  wood  and  stone,  yet 
have  we  set  up  our  idols,  the  stumbling-block  of 
our  iniquity,  in  our  hearts,  and  have  worshipped 
and  served  them  more  than  thee,  the  only  God, 
blessed  for  evermore.  We  are  verily  guilty  in 
thy  sight;  and  thou  mightest  justly  answer  us 
a-ccording  to  the  multitude  of  our  idols,  and  refuse 
to  be  inquired  of  by  us. 

But,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  let  not  thy 
righteous  anger  fall  upon  us.  Judge  us  not  ac- 
cording to  our  ways;  nor  recompense  us  accord- 
ing to  our  abominations.  Say  not  of  us,  "  They 
are  joined  to  idols;  let  them  alone;"  but  let  thine 
eye  pity,  and  thy  hand  spar€  us ;  and  let  us  find 
that  thou  art  the  great  and  wonderful  God.,  who 
delightest  in  mercy.  Sprinkle  us  with  the  blood 
of  Jesus,  and  we  shall  be  clean.  Wash  us,  and 
we  shall  be  whiter  than  snow.  Lead  us  all 
earnestly  to  inquire  what  have  we  to  do  any  more 
with  idols  1  Turn  us  from  all  secret  idolatry  of 
heart;  and  hereafter  let  us  not  serve  nor  worship 
any  god,  except  our  own  God;  even  thee,  the 
living  and  the  true  God. 

And  since  of  thy  only  gift  it  cometh  that  thy 
/aithful  .people  do  unto  thee  true  and  laudable 


THURSDAY  EVEmNG.  123 

service,  give  us  grace  to  believe  in  thee,  to  fear 
thee,  and  to  love  thee,  with  all  our  heart,  with  all 
our  mind,  with  all  our  soul,  and  with  all  our 
strength;  to  worship  thee,  to  give  thee  thanks,  to 
put  our  whole  trust  in  thee,  to  call  upon  thee, 
to  honour  thy  holy  name  and  thy  word;  and  to 
serve  thee  truly  all  the  days  of  our  life. 

AVith  these  our  prayers,  be  pleased  to  accept 
our  hearty  thanks  for  a-11  thy  goodness  towards  us. 

Though  we  are  so  unmindful  of  thee,  thou  yet 
rememberest  us  from  day  to  day,  and  pourest 
upon  us  the  abundance  of  thy  mercy.  Blessed 
be  thy  name  for  all  thy  gracious  dealings  towards 
us.  And  we  pray  thee  to  preserve  in  our  minds 
such  a  sense  of  them,  as  shall  lead  us  to  love  thee 
more,  and  to  serve  thee  better. 

Hear  us,  O  Lord,  while  we  implore  this  grace 
and  ns^rcy  in  behalf  of  our  fellow-creatures. 

Look  in  pity  on  those  who  are  still  lying  in 
darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death;  and  are  serving 
idols  of  wood  and  stone,  which  their  own  hands 
have  made.  Turn  them  from  the  error  of  their 
ways,  and  grant  them  the  knowledge  of  thyself^ 
and  of  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou  hast  sent. 

Pity  and  convert  those  who  have  brought  into 
thy  Church  dangerous  heresies;  even  denying 
the  Lord  who  bought  them ;  lest  they  come  unto 
swift  destruction. 

Grant  that  alt  others,  who  know  thee  not,  may 
acquaint  themselves  with  thee,  and  be  at  peace ; 
and  that  all  who  know  thee  may  be  joyful  and 
glad  in  thy  salvation. 

Have  mercy  on  the  afflicted  in  mind,  body,  or 
estate.  Go  not  from  them  when  trouble  is  hard 
at  hand,  and  there  is  none  to  help  them.    Be  thcu 


124  THIRD  WEEK. 

their  refuge,  who  art  the  hope  of  yll  the  ends  of 
the  earth.  And  in  the  muUitude  of  the  sorrows 
which  they  have  in  their  hearts,  let  thy  comforts 
refresh  their  souls. 

Mercifully  regard,  also,  our  kindred  after  the 
flesh,  our  benefactors,  friends,  and  neighbours. 

To  thy  gracious  care  and  protection  we  com- 
mend ourselves  and  them  this  night.  Preserve  us 
both,  outwardly  in  our  bodies,  from  temporal 
evils;  and,  inwardly  in  our  souls,  from  our  spiri- 
tual foes.  And,  when  our  eyes  shall  be  closed 
in  the  darkness  of  the  grave,  may  we  rest  in  Jesus; 
and,  in  the  last  day,  be  raised  from  the  dead,  to 
die  no  more,  and  be  made  like  unto  the  angels, 
being  thy  children,  O  God,  and  the  children  of 
the  resurrection. 

O  thou,  who  hearest  and  answerest  prayer, 
hear  us  in  these  our  humble  petitions  for  our- 
selves and  others;  and  send  us  an  answer  of 
peace,  for  the  love  of  thy  only  Son,  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ. 

Our  Father^  S^c.     God  the  Father^  S^c. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  God,  whose  ears  are  always  open  to 
the  petitions  of  thy  humble  servants,  unto  thee 
do  we  lift  up  our  souls.  We  would  seek  thee 
whilst  thou  mayest  be  found  ;  and  call  upon  thee 
whilst  thou  art  near. 

Dispose  us  ever  to  direct  our  prayer  unto 
thee,  and  to  look  up;  and,  daily  at  thy  footstool, 
to  wait  for  thy  blessing,  more  than  they  who 


FRIDAY  MOllNIXC.  125 

^vatch  for  the  morning,  yea,  more  than  they  who 
watch  for  the  morning. 

Let  every  day  begin  with  thee.  For  thou,  O 
Lord,  art  a  God  full  of  compassion,  and  gracious, 
long-suflering,  and  plenteous  in  goodness  and 
truth.  How  precious  are  thy  thoughts  which  are 
to  us  ward  ! 

Thou  hast  protected  us  during  the  hours  of 
darkness;  for  the  darkness  is  no  darkness  with 
thee ;  but  the  night  is  as  clear  as  the  day :  the 
darkness  and  the  light  to  thee  are  both  alike. 
We  have  slept  and  awoke,  and  are  still  with 
thee.  Thou  art  a  God  at  hand,  and  afar  off ; 
and  none  can  hide  themselves  in  secret  places, 
where  thou  canst  not  see  them. 

Whither  shall  we  go  from  thy  Spirit  ?  And 
whither  shall  we  flee  from  thy  presence?  If  we 
ascend  up  into  heaven,  thou  art  there;  if  we  go 
down  to  hell,  thou  art  there  also.  If  we  should 
take  the  wings  of  the  morning,  and  remain  in 
the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea,  even  there  would 
thy  hand  lead  us,  and  thy  right  hand  hold  us. 

We  humble  ourselves  before  thee  for  the  sins 
which  thy  all-seeing  eyes  have  beheld  in  the 
course  of  our  lives.  Very  grievous  are  they,  O 
Lord,  and  more  than  we  are  able  to  express; 
and  not  one  of  them  is  forgotten  before  thee.  If 
thou  shouldest  be  extreme  to  mark  what  is  done 
amiss,  O  Lord,  who  may  abide  it?  We  confess 
that  our  hearts  cannot  endure,  nor  our  hands  be 
strong,  in  that  day  when  thou  shalt  deal  with  us, 
if  thou  deal  with  us  according  to  our  sins,  and 
reward  us  according  to  our  iniciuities. 

But,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  deal  not  thus 
with  thy  servants.   Blot  out  the  hand-writing  that 


126  THIRD  WEEK. 

is  against  us  ;  and  take  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing 
it  to  the  cross  of  thy  beloved  Son.  Grant  unto 
us  redemption  through  his  blood,  even  the  for- 
giveness of  sins,  according  to  the  riches  of  thy 
grace.  May  we  be  washed  ;  may  we  be  sancti- 
fied; may  we  be  justified,  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  and  by  thy  Spirit,  O  Lord  God. 

Let  a  sense  of  thy  presence  abide  with  us  this 
day.  May  we  set  thee  always  before  us,  remem- 
bering that  thou,  O  God,  seest  us.  And  since  unto 
thee  all  hearts  are  open,  all  desires  known,  and 
from  thee  no  secrets  are  hid  ;  cleanse,  we  beseech 
thee,  the  thoughts  of  our  hearts  by  the  inspiration 
of  thy  holy  Spirit ;  that  we  may  perfectly  love 
thee,  and  worthily  magnify  thy  hoi}'  name. 

And  while  we  acknowledge  thee  in  all  our 
ways,  do  thou,  in  mere}',  direct  our  paths.  As 
thou  didst  vouchsafe  to  lead  thy  people  Israel  in 
safety  through  the  wilderness,  going  before  tliera 
by  day  in  a  pillar  of  cloud,  and  in  a  pillar  of  fire 
by  night;  so  be  thou  mercifully  pleased  to  lead 
and  protect  us  in  the  way  in  which  we  should  go. 
Stand  continually  at  our  right  hand,  that  we  may 
not  be  moved.  Strengthen  us  with  the  Holy 
Ghost,  the  Comforter  ;  and  daily  increase  in  us 
thy  manifold  gifts  of  grace;  the  spirit  of  wisdom 
and  understanding,  the  spirit  of  counsel  and 
ghostly  strength,  the  spirit  of  knowledge  and  true 
godliness;  and  fill  us,  O  Lord,  with  a  spirit  of 
thy  holy  fear,  now  and  evermore. 

We  beseech  thee,  also,  O  Lord,  to  give  unto 
our  fellow-creatures  a  due  reverence  of  thy  holy 
presence. 

May  the  ungodly  remember  that  thou  knowest 
their  manifold  transgressions ;  and  that  there  is 


FRIDAY  EVENING. 


127 


no    darkness,    or  shadow  of  death,    where   tho 
workers  of  iniquity  may  hide  their  heads. 

May  those  who  have  hitherto  been  deceiving 
themselves,  or  others,  with  vain  professions  of 
religion,  be  brought  to  see  that  they  cannot  de- 
ceive thee ;  and  so  may  be  led  to  seek  thee  in 
truth  and  sincerity. 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  let  thy  continual 
pily  cleanse  and  defend  thy  Church  :  and  because 
it  cannot  continue  in  safety  without  thy  succour, 
preserve  it  evermore  by  thy  help  and  goodness. 

Let  thy  presence  comfort  and  support  thy 
afflicted  people :  and  be  a  refuge  to  them  in  all 
their  troubles. 

Furthermore,  we  pray  thee  to  dwell  in  the 
hearts  of  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us;  and  to 
make  them  a  holy  temple  in  the  Lord,  the  habi- 
tation of  thy  blessed  Spirit,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Saviour  and  Redeemer. 

Our  Father^  Sfc.     God  the  Father,  Sfc^ 


FRIDAY  EVENING. 

Almighty  and  immortal  God,  the  aid  of  all  that 
need,  the  helper  of  all  that  flee  to  thee  for  succour, 
the  life  of  them  that  believe,  and  the  resurrection 
of  the  dead,  receive  us,  as  thou  hast  promised  by 
thy  well-beloved  Son,  saying.  Ask,  and  ye  shall 
have ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find ;  knock,  and  it  shall 
be  opened  unto  you.  So  give  now  unto  us  that 
ask ;  let  us  that  seek,  find  ;  open  the  gate  unto 
us  that  knock,  that  we  may  enjoy  the  everlasting 
benediction  of  thy  heavenly  grace,  and  may  come 


1*26  THIRD  WEEK. 

to  the  eternal  kingdom  which  thou  hast  promised 
by  Christ  our  Lord. 

We  draw  nigh  unto  thee  in  his  great  name, 
trusting  to  thy  word,  that  whosoever  believeth  in 
thy  beloved  Son  shall  be  saved.  And  we  be- 
seech thee  to  grant,  that  we  may  come  unto 
him,  this  night,  weary  and  heavy  laden  with  the 
burden  of  our  sins,  and  may  thus  find  rest  to  our 
souls. 

As  the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth,  so 
great  let  thy  mercy  be  towards  us.  Far  as  the 
east  is  from  the  west,  so  far  do  thou  remove  our 
traosgreasions  from  us.  Yea,  like  as  an  earthly 
father  pitieth  his  children,  so  do  thou,  our  hea- 
venly Father,  pity  and  have  mercy  upon  us. 
Adopt  us  into  thy  family;  take  away  our  guilt ; 
accept  our  persons  ;  and  reconcile  us  unto  thyself, 
through  the  blood  of  thy  beloved  Son. 

We  pray  thee,  also,  O  Lord,  to  show  unto  us 
more  of  the  evil  of  sin,  that  we  may  know  more 
of  tliy  wonderful  grace  and  mercy  in  pardoning 
it;  and  more  of  the  loving-kindness  of  God  our 
Saviour,  in  dying  to  redeem  us  from  it. 

O  the  depths  of  the  riches  of  thy  wisdom,  thy 
knowledge,  and  thy  love  !  Thou,  O  God,  the 
merciful  and  gracious  Lord,  hast  so  done  thy 
marvellous  works,  that  they  ought  to  be  had  in 
remembrance.  Thou  hast  sent  redemption  unto 
thy  people  ;  thou  hast  commanded  thy  covenant 
for  ever :  holy  and  reverend  is  thy  name.  It  is 
a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  thee,  O  Lord ; 
and  to  sing  praises  unto  thy  name,  O  thou  Most 
Highest ;  to  show  forth  thy  loving-kindness  in 
the  morning,  and  thy  faithfulness  every  night. — 
We,  thy  unworthy  servants,  ihcrefore,  do  giv^ 


FRIDAir  EVENING.  129 

thee  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  all  thy 
goodness  and  loving-kindness  to  us  and  to  all 
men.  We  bless  thee  for  our  creation,  preserva- 
tion, and  all  the  blessings  of  this  life  ;  but,  above 
all,  for  thine  inestimable  love  in  the  redemption 
of  the  world  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  for  the 
means  of  grace,  and  for  the  hope  of  glory.  And, 
we  beseech  thee,  give  us  that  due  sense  of  all 
thy  mercies,  that  our  hearts  may  be  unfeignedly 
thankful,  and  that  we  may  show  forth  thy  praise, 
not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives,  by  giving 
up  ourselves  to  thy  service,  and  by  walking  before 
thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  our  days, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  :  to  whom,  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honour  and  glory, 
world  without  end. 

Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  to  hear  our  prayers  for 
those  whom  it  is  our  duty  and  our  desire  to 
remember  at  the  throne  of  grace. 

May  it  please  thee  to  bring  into  the  way  of 
truth  all  such  as  have  erred,  and  are  deceived. 

May  it  please  thee  to  defend  and  bless  all  who 
are  in  authority  ;  to  rule  their  hearts  in  thy  faith, 
fear,  and  love  ;  and  that  they  may  evermore  have 
affiance  in  thee;  and  ever  seek  thy  honour  and 
glory. 

May  it  please  thee  to  guide  and  protect  our 
magistrates;  that  they  may  be  a  terror  to  evil 
doers,  and  for  the  praise  of  them  that  do  well. 

May  it  please  thee  to  illuminate  all  the  minis- 
ters of  thy  blessed  Gospel  with  true  knowledge 
and  understanding  of  thy  word  ;  and  that,  both 
by  their  preaching  and  living,  they  may  set  it 
forth  and  show  it  accordingly. 

May  it  please  thee  to  bless  the  faithful  in  Christ 
12* 


130  THIRD  WEEK. 

Jesus,  and  to  give  them  grace  to  continue  faithful 
unto  death. 

May  it  please  thee  to  bless  the  rising  genera- 
tion, especially  the  generation  of  those  who  seek 
thee,  and  of  all  our  kindred,  friends,  and  neigh- 
bours. Grant  that  our  children,  as  they  grow  in 
stature,  may  grow  in  wisdom  and  in  grace,  and 
in  favour  with  thee  and  man :  and  thus  may  be- 
come thy  sons  and  daughters,  O  Lord  Almight3^ 

Finally,  may  it  please  thee  to  stand  at  the 
right  hand  of  the  poor  and  destitute,  and  to  be 
unto  them  a  tower  of  strength  against  all  their 
enemies. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  these  our  petitions,  through 
the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour;  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 

Oar  Father,  ^y^c.     God  the  Father,  Sfc. 


SATURDAY  MORMNG. 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  Maker  of  all  things,  Judge  of  all  men,  we 
acknowledge  and  bewail  our  manifold  sins  and 
wickedness,  which  we,  from  time  to  time,  have 
most  grievously  committed,  by  thought,  word^ 
and  deed,  against  tiiy  divine  Majesty;  provoking, 
most  justly,  thy  wrath  and  indignation  against 
us.  We  do  earnestly  repent,  and  are  heartily 
sorry  for  these  our  misdoings.  The  remembrance 
of  them  is  grievous  unto  us.  The  burden  of 
them  is  intolerable.  Have  mercy  upon  us,  have 
mercy  upon  us,  most  merciful  Father;  for  thy 


SATURDAY  MORNING.  13I 

Son,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  forgive  us  all 
that  is  past ;  and  grant  that  we  may  ever  here- 
after serv^e  and  please  thee,  in  newness  of  life, 
to  the  honour  and  glory  of  thy  name,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Keep  us,  especially,  this  day,  by  thy  mighty 
power.  Give  us  grace  to  live  as  thy  redeemed 
people  ;  and  to  walk  in  all  thy  commandments 
and  ordinances  blameless.  And  grant  that  our 
love  to  thee  may  abound  more  and  more  in 
knowledge  and  in  all  judgment ;  that  we  may 
approve  things  that  are  excellent^  that  we  may 
be  sincere  and  without  offence  till  the  day  of 
Christ,  being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness, 
which  are  by  him,  to  the  praise  of  thee,  our  God. 

O  Lord,  open  thou  our  lips,  and  our  mouth 
shall  show  forth  thy  praise. 

Accept  our  thanks  for  all  thy  mercies,  temporal 
and  spiritual.  We  bless  thee  for  preserving  us 
through  the  past  night,  and  for  refreshing  us  with 
necessary  sleep ;  and  we  acknowledge  it  to  be 
of  thy  undeserved  goodness  that  we  are  all  here 
before  thee  this  morning. 

We  bless  thee  for  every  opportunity  of  meeting 
together  before  the  throne  of  grace. 

We  praise  thee  for  every  increase  of  spiritual 
knowledge;  for  every  victory  over  the  enemies 
of  our  souls.  We  adore  thee  for  all  the  promises 
of  thy  word  ;  for  all  the  wonderful  instances  of 
thy  forbearance  towards  us;  for  all  the  motions 
of  thy  good  Spirit  in  us;  for  all  our  past  and 
present  comforts,  and  for  all  our  prospects  of 
future  glory. 

Day  by  day  we  magnify  thee;  and  worship 
thy  name  ever,  world  without  end. 


133  THIRD  "WEEK. 

Hear  our  intercessions,  most  gracious  Father, 
for  the  whole  race  of  man. 

Have  mercy  on  a  world  that  lieth  in  wicked- 
ness ;  and  stretch  forth  thy  right  hand  to  save  it 
from  destruction. 

Overrule  all  changes  in  empires  and  kingdoms, 
for  the  advancement  of  true  religion,  and  for  the 
furtherance  of  thy  glory.  Extend  on  every  side 
the  kingdom  of  thy  Son.  Prosper  every  lawful 
endeavour  for  the  conversion  of  Heathen  nations. 
Pour  dov>'n  thy  Spirit  from  on  high  ;  that  all 
the  ends  of  the  world  may  remember  themselves, 
and  be  turned  unto  thee,  O  Lord  ;  and  that  all 
the  kindreds  of  the  nations  may  worship  before 
thee. 

Hear  us,  especially,  in  behalf  of  thy  ancient 
people,  thy  people  Israel.  Our  heart's  desire 
and  prayer  for  them  is,  that  they  may  be  saved. 
Hear  us,  also,  in  behalf  of  these  United  States. 
Send  forth  throughout  the  land  a  universal 
spirit  of  repentance,  that  we  may  return  every 
man  from  his  evil  ways,  and  may  amend  everj' 
man  his  doings.  Increase  among  us  that  righte- 
ousness which  exaltelh  a  nation;  and  save  us 
from  that  sin  which  is  the  reproach  of  any  ])eople. 
And  may  we  never,  in  the  pride  of  our  hearts, 
forget  that  blessed  only  is  the  nation  whose  God 
is  the  Lord,  and  whose  hope  the  Lord  is. 

We  pray  for  thy  faithful  servants,  scattered 
throughout  the  earth ;  for  all  who  are  beloved  of 
thee,  called  to  be  saints. 

We  pray  for  our  relations  and  friends.  W^rite 
their  names  in  the  book  of  life  ;  and  when  it  is 
opened  in  the  last  day,  may  the}^  all  be  found 
therein. 


SATURDAY  EVENINCU  13G 

We  pray  for  our  enemies,  and  for  those  who 
aiay  despitefully  use  us,  and  persecute  us.  O 
thou  God  of  peace,  reconcile  tliem  unto  us,  and 
unto  tliee. 

Hear  us,  O  Lord,  in  these  our  supplications 
and  thanksgivings ;  and  do  for  us,  and  all  for 
whom  we  have  prayed,  more  than  we  are  worthy 
to  ask,  or  able  to  conceive,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Oiirist,  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  who  hath  merci- 
fully taught  us  thus  to  pray: — 

bur  Father,  ^c.     God  the  Father,  S^C, 


SATURDAY  EVENING. 

Almighty  Lord  God,  the  Father  of  mercies,  the 
Giver  and  Preserver  of  all  good  things,  we  hum- 
bly beseech  thee,  of  thy  great  goodness,  to  receive 
the  thank-offerings  which  we  desire  now  to  pre- 
sent on  thy  altar.  We  would  raise  a  memorial 
of  thy  abundant  kindness,  and  tell  out  thy  works 
with  gladness.  We  acknowledge  that  thou  hast 
hitherto  wonderfully  holpen  us;  and  that  it  is 
only  through  thy  tender  mercies  that  we  have 
been  spared  to  the  evening  of  this  day. 

Thy  ways  towards  us  have  been  faithfulness 
and  truth.  Thou  hast  done  for  us  more  than  we 
have  either  desired  or  deserved ;  and  far  more 
than  we  are  able  to  express.  Who  can  utter  thy 
mighty  acts,  O  Lord,  or  show  forth  all  thy 
praise  ? 

But,  though  thou  art  exalted  high  above  all 
blessing  and  praise,  yet  we  beseech  thee  to  accept 
eur  thanks,  sush  as  they  are,  for  the  tokens  ei 


134  THIRD  WEEK. 

thy  manifold  kindness  towards  us;  and  help  us, 
in  future,  to  give  unto  thee  more  of  the  glory 
that  is  due  unto  thy  name. 

Grant,  Lord,  that  from  the  abundance  of  the 
heart  we  may  speak  thy  praise;  and  that,  at  the 
close  of  every  week,  we  may  be  found  growing 
in  grace,  in  thankfulness,  and  in  every  fruit  of 
the  spirit.  Especially  may  a  sense  of  thy  won- 
derful love  in  the  redemption  of  our  souls  ever 
abide  upon  our  minds. 

O  thou,  who  hast  given  thy  Son  to  die  for  our 
sins,  and  to  rise  again  for  our  justification,  grant 
tis  so  to  put  away  the  leaven  of  malice  and 
wickedness,  that  we  may  always  serve  thee  in 
pureness  of  living  and  truth;  and  at  his  second 
<;oming  to  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  may 
foe  found  an  acceptable  people  in  thy  sight. 

But  who  may  abide  the  day  of  his  coming? 
And  who  may  stand  when  he  appearethl 

We  cannot  stand,  O  Lord,  before  thee  in  our 
own  righteousness.  We  humble  ourselves  at  thy 
footstool,  acknowledging  the  sins  which  we  have 
committed  against  thee,  particularly  the  sins  of 
the  week  which  is  now  closing. 

And,  we  pray  thee,  most  merciful  Father,  to 
grant  unto  us  forgiveness  of  all  that  is  past, 
through  him,  who,  by  thy  grace,  tasted  death  for 
every  man.  For  his  sake,  cleanse  thou  us  from 
ail  our  offences,  whereby  we  have  offended  thee; 
and  pardon  all  our  sins,  whereby  we  have  sinned, 
and  all  our  transgressions,  whereby  we  have 
transgressed  against  thee  :  and  grant,  that,  being 
justified  by  his  blood,  we  may  be  saved  from 
wrath  through  him. 

To  thy  tender  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus  wa  now 


SATURDAY   EVEMNO.  135 

commit  .ourselves,  and  all  for  whom  we  should 
pray.      - 

Save  and  defend  us  through  the  night-season. 
Open  our  eyes  to  see  the  light  of  another  Sab- 
bath ;  and  sanctify  it  to  the  good  of  our  souls. 

Sanctify  it,  likewise,  we  humbly  beseech  thee, 
to  the  good  of  our  fellow-creatures.  Give  unta 
them  every  blessing  which  we  have  asked  for 
ourselves  ;  and  every  other  of  which  they  may 
stand  in  need. 

Bless  all  the  ministers  of  thy  word  and  ordin- 
ances, [especially  hhn  who  is  set  over  us  in  the 
Lord.]  Prepare  them  for  the  work  to  which 
thou  hast  called  them ;  and  particularly  for  the 
duties  of  thy  holy  day. 

Preserve  us  in  the  unity  of  the  Spirit,  and  in 
the  bond  of  peace.  Put  away  from  us  strife,  and 
division,  and  every  evil  work.  Let  brotherly 
love  continue  and  increase.  And  do  thou,  the 
very  God  of  peace,  abide  with  us  always. 

Bless  all  other  members  of  the  universal 
Church ;  and  grant  that  such  as  profess  and  call 
themselves  Christians  may  be  led  into  the  way 
of  truth,  and  hold  the  faith  in  unity  of  spirit,  in 
the  bond  of  peace,  and  in  righteousness  of  life. 

Shed  abundantly  thy  grace  and  mercy  on  all 
who  are  near  and  dear  to  us  ;  and  make  them  ta 
be  numbered  with  thy  saints  in  glory  everlasting. 

And  as  thou  hast  promised  that  of  the  increase 
and  prosperity  of  thy  kingdom  there  shall  be  no 
end,  give  thy  blessing  to  the  means  which  are 
employed  for  its  extension  throughout  the  world. 
Be  thou  exalted,  Lord,  in  thy  own  strength! 
And  let  the  time  draw  near,  when  the  whole 
earth  shall  be  filled  with  thy  glory;  and  wheR 


136  THIRD  WEEK. 

every  thing  that  hath  breath  shall  praise  thee. 
Bring  to  pass  that  which  is  written,  that  in  the 
last  days  the  mountain  of  the  Lord's  house  shall 
be  established  in  the  top  of  the  mounta-ins,  and 
shall  be  exalted  above  the  hills,  and  all  nations 
shall  flow  unto  it. 

Grant  these  things  for  the  honour  of  our  only 
Mediator  and  Advocate,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father^  S^-c.     God  the  Father^  ^"c. 


THE  END  OF  THE  THIRD  AVEEtJ. 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 


FOURTH    WBXSS. 


13 


Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed 
be  thy  name  ;  thy  kingdom  come  ;  thy  will 
be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven ;  give 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread  ;  and  forgive  us 
our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who 
trespass  against  us ;  and  lead  us  not  into 
temptation ;  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  for 
thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and 
the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
the  love  of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  with  us  all,  this  day  [night] 
and  for  evermore.    Amen, 


IPAMELY   PRAYKRS* 


FOURTH  WEEK. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 

•O  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father,  almighty  and 
everlasting  God,  we  bless  thee  for  defending  us 
through  the  perils  and  dangers  of  the  night  past, 
and  for  bringing  us  in  safety  to  the  beginning  of 
this  day. 

What  thanks  and  praise  are  due  unto  thee  for 
calling  off  our  thoughts  and  pursuits  from  the 
things  of  this  vain  world;  and  for  setting  before 
us  the  things  of  a  better! 

Our  song  shall  be  always  of  thy  loving-kind- 
ness, O  Lord;  and  with  our  mouth  we  will  daily 
show  forth  thy  praise.  Thou  art  worthy  to  be 
praised,  and  had  in  honour :  for  gr^at  and  mar- 
vellous are  the  works  which  thou  hast  done. 

We  confess,  O  God,  that  we  have  greatly  pol- 
luted many  of  thy  Sabbaths,  by  doing  our  own 
ways,  by  seeking  our  own  pleasure,  and  by 
speaking  our  own  words.  And  thou  mightest 
justly  visit  us  for  our  iniquity,  by  causing  tliem 
altogether  to  cease  among  us. 

But  thou  art  a  merciful  God,  full  of  compas- 
sion, long-suffering,  and  of  great  pity;  sparing 
tis  when  we  deserve  punishmentj  and  in  the  mid^t 


140  FOURTH  WEEK. 

of  judgment  remembering  mercy.  And  we  be- 
seech thee,  O  Lord,  still  to  spare  us,  and  to  have 
mercy  upon  us.  Let  the  voice  of  Jesus  Christ 
thy  Son,  our  Saviour,  be  heard  in  our  behalf. 
For  his  sake,  look  down  upon  us,  and  grant  us 
thy  blessing. 

May  we  enter  upon  the  duties  of  this  day,  as 
though  we  knew  not  but  that  it  may  be  our  last; 
remembering,  that  for  this  and  every  Sabbath  we 
must  render  an  account  in  the  day  of  judgment; 
and  that  to  whom  much  has  been  given,  of  them 
will  much  be  required. 

Of  thy  bountiful  goodness,  therefore,  keep  us, 
we  beseech  thee,  from  all  things  that  may  hurt 
us;  that  we,  being  ready  both  in  body  and  soul, 
may  cheerfully  accomplish  those  things  which 
thou  wouldest  have  done. 

And,  for  as  much  as  without  thee  we  are  not 
able  to  please  thee,  mercifully  grant  that  thy 
Holy  Spirit  may,  in  all  things,  direct  and  rule 
our  hearts. 

O  thou,  who  art  greatly  to  be  feared  in  the 
assembly  of  thy  saints,  and  to  be  had  in  reve- 
rence of  all  them  that  are  round  about  thee, 
prepare  us,  especially,  for  the  solemnities  of  thy 
public  worship. 

How  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  O  Lord  of 
hosts  !  Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  choosest, 
and  causest  to  approach  thee  in  them.  May  we 
account  a  day  in  thy  service  better  than  a  thou- 
sand passed  in  forgetfulness  of  thee ;  and  always 
be  glad  when  it  is  said  to  us.  Let  us  go  to  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

Thither  may  we  go,  this  morning,  with  joyful 
feet,  looking  for  thy  loving-kindness  in  the  midst 


SUNDAY  MORNING.  141 

of  thy  temple;  joining  lliy  people  in  the  praise 
that  awaiteth  thee  there;  praying  unto  thee  in 
the  spirit;  hearing  and  receiving  thy  word,  and 
faithfully  performing  our  vows.  So  may  we  give 
unto  thee  the  honour  that  is  due  unto  thy  name, 
and  worship  before  thee  with  holy  worship.  And 
do  thou,  O  Lord,  hear  the  voice  of  our  humble 
petitions,  when  we  cry  unto  thee,  and  lift  up  our 
hands  towards  thy  mercy-scat. 

Give  grace,  also,  unto  all  who  shall  this  day  be 
gathered  together  in  thy  name;  that  they  may 
worship  thee,  serve  thee,  and  obey  thee  as  tl>ey 
■ought  to  do. 

Bless  thy  ministering  servants,  whom  thou  hast 
appointed  to  show  unto  men  the  way  of  salva- 
tion; [especially  thy  servant  who  ministcreth 
-unto  us.]  May  they  not  keep  back  thy  loving- 
kindness  and  truth  from  the  congregation  of  thy 
people ;  but  faithfully  declare  the  whole  counsel 
of  thee,  their  God.  And,  while  they  watcii  for 
souls,  as  those  that  must  give  account,  grant  that 
their  words  may  be  so  heard  and  received,  tliai 
they  may  be  able  to  give  account  of  their  people 
with  joy,  and  not  wit4i  grief. 

Let  the  hearts  of  those  rejoice  v/ho  seek  thee 
faithfully  in  thy  sacred  ordinances. 

Appoint  unto  such  as  mourn  in  Zion.  Give 
them  beauty  for  ashes;  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourn- 
ing; and  the  garment  of  praise  for  the  spirit  of 
heaviness. 

Let  those  who  are  hungering  aud  thirsting 
after  righteousness  be  filled. 

Let  the  poor  and  needy  give  thanks  unto  thy 
name.  May  thy  blessed  Gospel  still  be  preached 
to  them;  and  may  they  know  the  joyful  sound 
13* 


142  FOURTH  WEEK. 

thereof,  and  be  glad ;  esteeming  it  dearer  to  thera 
than  all  the  treasures  of  this  world. 

Grant  unto  those  who  are  trusting  to  them- 
selves that  they  are  righteous,  that  they  may  feel 
and  lament  the  iniquity  which  cleaveth  even  to 
their  most  holy  things. 

And  may  such  as  have  hitherto  drawn  nigh 
unto  thee  with  their  mouths,  while  their  heart  is 
far  from  thee,  be  led  to  see,  that,  so  long  as  they 
retain  iniquity  in  their  hearts,  thou  wilt  not  hear 
them ;  but  regardest  their  prayers  as  an  abomi- 
nation. 

Thus  may  it  please  thee  to  satisfy  all  with  the 
plenteousness  of  thy  house,  and  to  suffer  none  to 
go  empty  away. 

Grant  these,  and  all  our  requests,  for  thy 
mercy's  sake  in  Christ  Jesus,  our  only  Lord  and 
{Saviour. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.      The  grace,  Sfc. 


SUNDAY  EVENING. 

O  God,  whose  nature  and  property  is  ever  to 
have  mercy,  and  to  forgive,  receive  our  humble 
petitions;  and  though  we  be  tied  and  bound  with 
the  chain  of  our  sins,  yet  let  the  pitifulness  of  thy 
great  mercy  loose  us,  for  the  honour  of  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Mediator  and  Advocate. 

O  Lord,  the  only-begotten  Son,  Jesus  Christ; 
O  Lord  God,  Lamb  of  God,  Son  of  the  Father, 
that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  w»rld,  have 
mercy  upon  us.  Thou  that  takest  away  the  sins 
of  the  world,  have  mercy  upon  us.     Thou  that 


SUNDAY  EVENING.  143 

takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  receive  our 
prayer.  Thou  that  sittest  at  the  right  hand  of 
God  the  Father,  have  mercy  upon  us.  For  thou 
only  art  holy :  thou  only  art  the  Lord :  thou  only, 
O  Christ,  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  art  most  high  in 
the  glory  of  God  the  Father. 

And  as  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  to  forgive 
us  all  our  sins,  negligences,  and  ignorances,  (par- 
ticularly those  of  the  past  day,)  so  may  it  please 
thee  to  give  us  true  repentance;  and  to  endue  us 
with  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  amend  our 
lives  according  to  thy  holy  word. 

O  thou,  from  whom  all  good  things  do  come, 
grant  to  us,  thy  humble  servants,  that,  by  thy 
holy  inspiration,  we  may  think  those  things  that 
be  good,  and  by  thy  merciful  guiding  may  per- 
form the  same. 

Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  our  hearty 
thanks  for  the  means  of  grace  which  have  been 
vouchsafed  us  this  day;  and  for  every  blessing 
which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us. 

To  thee  be  ascribed  all  the  good  which  we 
have  received  ourselves,  and  all  which  has  been 
wrought  in  others. 

We  bless  thee  in  behalf  of  those  who  may 
have  been  turned  from  their  evil  ways,  or  who 
have  been  comforted,  instructed,  and  in  any  way 
edified,  in  thy  house  of  prayer. 

For  these  and  all  thy  other  mercies,  our  souls 
do  magnify  thy  glorious  name,  which  is  exalted 
above  all  jjlessing  and  praise. 

We  further  beseech  thee,  O  Father  Almighty, 
to  open  the  ears  of  thy  compassion  to  our  suppli- 
cations for  others. 

Mercifully  look   upon   the  universal   Church, 


144  FOURTH   WEEK. 

which  thou  hast  purchased  to  thyself  with  tht 
precious  blood  of  thy  dear  Son. 

And  to  those  that  shall  be  ordained  to  any 
holy  function,  give  thy  grace  and  heavenly  bene- 
diction; that,  both  by  their  life  and  doctrine, 
they  may  set  forth  thy  glory,  and  set  forward 
the  salvation  of  all  men. 

Bless  the  words  which  have  been  spoken  in 
thy  name  this  day;  and  let  them  not  prove  to 
any  the  savour  of  death  unto  death,  but  of  life 
unto  life,  to  all  who  have  heard  them. 

Be  gracious  unto  thy  servants  who  have  met 
together  with  us  in  thy  courts:  and  grant  that  as 
many  as  are  planted  in  this  house  of  the  Lord, 
may  flourish  in  the  courts  of  the  house  of  our 
God. 

Have  mercy  on  those  by  whom  the  day  of  rest 
has  been  disregarded.  Father,  forgive  them,  for 
they  know  not  what  they  do. 

Be  favourable,  also,  unto  those  who  have  been 
Jvopt  by  sickness,  or  any  other  necessit}-,  from 
joining  the  public  assemblies  of  thy  Church.  Do 
thou,  Almighty  Lord,  who  art  a  most  strong  tower 
unto  them  that  put  their  trust  in  thee,  to  whom 
all  things  in  heaven,  and  in  earth,  and  under  the 
earth,  do  bow  and  obey;  be  now  and  evermore 
their  defence,  and  make  them  to  know  and  to 
feel,  that  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven 
given  to  man,  in  whom  and  through  whom  they 
may  receive  health  and  salvation,  but  only  the 
Rame  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

We  give  thee  hearty  thanks,  likewise,  for  such 
of  thera  as  it  may  have  pleased  thee  this  day  to 
deliver  out  of  the  miseries  of  this  sinful  world ; 
beseeching  thee,  that  it  may  also  please  thee,  of 


MONDAY  MORNING.  145 

thy  gracious  goodness,  shortly  to  accomplish  the 
number  of  thy  elect,  and  to  hasten  thy  kingdom; 
that  we,  with  all  those  that  are  departed  in  the 
true  faith  of  thy  holy  name,  may  have  our  per- 
fect consummation  and  bliss,  both  in  body  and 
soul,  in  thy  eternal  and  everlasting  glory,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord ;  in  whose  name  we  offer 
up  these  our  prayers;  and  conclude  them  in  the 
words  which  he  himself  has  taught  us  to  use: 
Our  Father^  Sfc.      The  grace^  S^c, 


MONDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  the  Father  of 
all  mercies,  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  accept 
the  praises  and  thanksgivings  with  which  we  be- 
gin this  day.  Unworthy  as  we  are  to  offer  them, 
and  insufficient  as  they  are  to  show  forth  all  thy 
goodness,  yet  be  graciously  pleased  to  receive 
them,  for  the  sake  of  him  through  whom  alone 
they  are  offered;  even  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  thy  Son,  our  Lord. 

Day  by  day  will  we  give  thanks  unto  thee,  O 
God,  and  speak  of  all  thy  marvellous  works. 
Our  praise  shall  be  always  of  thee. 

We  adore  and  magnify  thee  for  the  daily 
bounties  of  thy  good  providence;  for  our  preser- 
vation through  the  night  past;  and  for  all  the 
blessings  of  the  present  life,  by  which  we  are 
encompassed  on  every  side. 

But,  chiefly,  we  beseech  thee  to  fill  our  hearts 
with  a  due  sense  of  thy  unspeakable  love  in  the 
redemption  of  our  souls. 


146 


FOURTH  WEEK. 


We  bless  thee  for  the  many  and  great  advant- 
ages which  were  afforded  us  on  thy  Sabbath 
which  is  past;  for  thy  house  of  prayer;  for  thy 
appointed  ministers;  for  thy  holy  word  and  sa- 
craments ;  and  for  all  other  means  of  grace  and 
salvation. 

Help  us  now  to  call  to  our  remembrance,  and 
earnestly  to  take  heed  to  the  things  which  we 
have  heard,  lest  at  any  time  we  should  let  them 
slip. 

May  thy  Holy  Scriptures,  which  thou  hast 
given  by  inspiration,  and  caused  to  be  written 
for  our  learning,  be  made  profitable  to  us  for 
doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruc- 
tion in  righteousness;  that,  being  born  of  thy 
incorruptible  word,  which  liveth  and  abideth  for 
ever,  we  may  be  furnished  unto  all  good  works. 
Grant,  O  blessed  Lord,  that  we  may  always  ia 
such  wise  hear  them,  read,  mark,  learn,  and  in- 
wardly digest  them,  that,  by  patience  and  com- 
fort of  the  same,  we  may  embrace,  and  ever  hold 
fast,  the  blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life,  which 
thou  hast  given  us  in  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Especially  grant,  that  the  sacred  influence  of 
thy  word  and  ordinances  may  be  manifested  in 
our  lives  this  day. 

Knowing  that  thou  canst  not  be  deceived  by 
outward  appearances,  and  requirest  the  homage 
of  our  hearts,  may  we  not  trust  to  a  form  of  god- 
liness, and  deny  the  power  thereof;  but  be  faith- 
ful and  sincere  in  thy  service,  keeping  our  hearts 
with  all  diligence,  and  labouring  to  bring  every 
thought  and  intent  thereof  in  captivity  to  the 
obedience  of  Christ. 

Vouchsafe  to  bless  ujs  in  all  our  doings  with 


MONDAY  MORNI>ro.  147 

thy  most  gracious  favour.  Bestow  upon  us  what- 
ever thou  mayest  see  necessary  and  convenient 
for  the  present  life:  but  incline  us  to  take  heed  of 
covetousness,  and  a  too  great  minding  of  earthly 
things.  May  we  have  that  godliness  with  con- 
tentment, which  is  great  gain;  and  always  re- 
member, that  our  life  consisteth  not  in  the  abun- 
dance of  the  things  which  we  possess. 

Give  us  grace  to  withstand  the  temptations  of 
the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil;  and  with  pure 
hearts  and  minds  to  follow  thee,  the  only  God. 

Dispose  us,  also,  faithfully  to  perform  our  duty 
towards  our  neighbour. 

Make  us  upright  in  our  dealings,  providing 
things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men ;  rendering 
unto  all  their  dues;  tribute  unto  whom  tribute  is 
due;  custom  unto  whom  custom;  fear  unto  whom 
foar;  honour  unto  whom  honour. 

Put  away  from  ns  all  malice,  and  guile,  and 
hypocrisies,  and  all  evil-speakings;  and  grant 
that,  as  thine  elect,  holy  and  beloved,  we  may 
put  on  bowels  of  mercies,  kindness,  humbleness 
of  mind,  meekness,  long-suffering;  forbearing  one 
another,  and  forgiving  one  another,  if  any  man 
have  a  quarrel  against  any. 

As  members  of  the  same  household,  and  heirs 
together  of  the  grace  of  life,  may  we  dwell  in 
love  one  with  another;  in  all  things  approving 
ourselves  as  thy  servants ;  that  so,  at  the  last,  an 
entrance  may  be  administered  unto  us  abun- 
dantly into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

"We  commend  ourselves,  O  Lord,  and  all  our 
concerns,  into  thy  hands,  as  into  the  hands  of 
a  faithful  Creator  and  most  merciful  Saviour; 


148  rOIJRTH    WEEK, 

knowing  that  thou  art  able  to  keep  that  which  we 
commit  unto  thee  against  the  great  day. 

Thou,  Lord,  art  our  rock,  and  our  fortress, 
wliereunto  we  will  always  resort;  our  deliverer, 
our  God,  our  strength,  in  whom  we  do  trust;  the 
horn  also  of  our  salvation ;  and  our  refuge. 

O  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us;  have  mercy 
upon  us.  O  Lord,  let  thy  mercy  lighten  upon 
us,  as  our  trust  is  in  thee.  O  Lord,  in  thee  have 
we  trusted;  let  us  never  be  confounded. 

We  ask  these  great  blessings  for  ourselves, 
and  for  all  mankind,  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Our  Father^  S^^c.      The  grace^  S^c. 


MONDAY  EVENING. 

O  Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  the  blessed 
and  only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord 
of  lords,  who  only  hast  immortality,  dwelling  in 
the  light  which  no  man  can  approach  unto,  whom 
no  man  hath  seen  or  can  see,  fill  our  minds  with 
a  deep  sense  of  thy  majesty  and  glory. 

O  Lord  our  Governor,  how  excellent  is  thy 
name  throughout  all  the  earth,  thou  that  hast  set 
thy  glory  above  the  heavens  !  Thy  dominion  is 
an  everlasting  dominion;  and  thy  kingdom  en- 
dureth  from  generation  to  generation. 

The  day  is  thine ;  the  night  also  is  thine  :  for 
all  things  serve  thee. 

Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  art  so  mindful  of 
him;  or  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  so  visitest 
him  ?     We  are  all  in  thy  sight  as  nothing,  yea» 


MONDAY    EVKNIXG.  149 

less  than  nothing,  and  vanity:  and  we  have  rea- 
son each  one  to  cry  out,  Wo  is  me,  for  I  am 
undone;   for  I  am  of  unclean  lips. 

Thou  knowcst,  O  Lord,  the  pride  and  the 
rebellion  of  our  hearts.  Heaven  and  earth  both 
testify  against  us,  and  our  own  conscience  also, 
that  we  are  verily  guilty  before  thee,  and  altoge- 
ther without  excuse. 

Adored,  however,  be  thy  name,  that  our  sins 
have  not  withholden  from  us  the  blessings  of  the 
past  day;  but  that  we  are  brought  to  the  conclu- 
sion of  it  in  health  and  peace. 

And,  before  we  retire  to  the  rest  which  thou 
hast  provided  for  our  bodies,  we  earnestly  be- 
seech thee  to  make  us  partakers  of  that  spiritual 
rest  which  thy  richer  bounty  hath  provided  for 
our  souls.  Be  merciful  unto  our  unrighteousness; 
and  our  sins  and  iniquities  do  thou  remember  no 
more.  Wash  them  away  in  the  blood  of  him  who 
was  called  Jesus,  that  he  might  save  his  people 
from  their  sins.  Through  him  we  pray  thee  to 
look  down  upon  us,  and  cleanse  us  from  our 
numerous  transgressions  whereby  v/e  have  trans- 
gressed against  thee;  from  our  pride  and  obsti- 
nacy; from  our  hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt 
of  thee ;  from  our  vain  thoughts  and  idle  words ; 
from  our  unchristian  tempers  and  pursuits;  and 
from  all  our  evil  doings,  whereby  we  have  pro- 
voked thy  wrath  and  indignation  against  us. 
And  grant  that  we,  who  do  justly  deserve  to  be 
punished  for  our  offences,  may  be  mercifully  de- 
livered, by  thy  goodness,  for  the  glory  of  thy 
name,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour. 

May  it  please  thee,  also,  for  his  sake,  to  give 
unto  us  a  heart  to  love  and  dread  thee,  and  dili- 
14 


toO  FOURTH   V.EEK. 

gently  to  live  after  thy  commandments;  that  we, 
being  regenerate,  and  made  thy  children  by 
adoption  and  grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  thy 
Holy  Spirit. 

Humble  us  under  thy  mighty  hand,  O  God. 
Bring  down  every  high  look  and  lofty  imagina- 
tion that  exalteth  itself  against  thee;  and  clothe 
us  with  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spiriu, 
which  is  in  thy  sight  of  great  price. 

Preserve  us  from  thinking  of  ourselves  more 
highly  than  we  ought  to  think;  and  dispose  us  to 
walk  before  thee  with  all  gentleness  and  lowliness 
of  mind. 

Give  unto  us  the  increase  of  faith,  hope,  and 
charity ;  and,  that  we  may  obtain  that  which  thou 
dost  promise,  make  us  to  love  that  which  thou  dost 
commando 

Grant  that,  on  all  occasions,  we  may  both 
perceive  and  know  what  things  we  ought  to  do, 
and  also  may  have  grace  and  power  faithfully  ta 
fulfil  the  same. 

And  do  thou,  O  Lord,  graciously  look  upon  our 
infirmities;  and  in  all  our  dangers  and  necessities 
stretch  forth  thy  right  hand  to  help  and  defend  us. 

Extend,  we  beseech  thee,  the  arms  of  thy  com- 
passion beyond  the  bounds  of  our  own  habitation* 

Look  on  the  sins  and  miseries  of  a  fallen  world. 

Teach  thy  ways  unto  the  wicked;  and  let 
sinners  be  converted  unto  thee. 

Take  all  the  Heathen  unto  thine  inheritancOy 
and  let  them  know,  that  thou,  whose  name  is  Je- 
hovah, art  the  Most  Highest  over  all  the  earth. 

Have  pity  upon  those  who,  under  the  light  of 
thy  Gospel,  are  living  in  heathen  darkness. 

Regard  the  various  kingdoms  of  the  world  j  and 


TLESJ>AY   MOKMXG.  Idl 

l-et  wars  and  fightings  among  them  for  ever  cease. 
Give  peace  in  our  time,  O  Lord ;  because  there  is 
Fione  other  that  fightest  for  us,  but  only  thou,  O 
God.  Let  nation  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation  ; 
neither  let  them  learn  war  any  more.  Suffer 
none  to  hurt  or  destroy  in  all  thy  holy  moun- 
tain ;  but  let  the  earth  be  filled  with  the  know- 
ledge of  thy  glory,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea. 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  in  these  our 
prayers,  OLord  God:  and,  of  thy  great  goodness, 
take  us,  and  all  ours,  every  where,  under  thy 
fatherly  protection,  this  night  and  evermore, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Our  Father,  S^c,      The  grace,  4'^° 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 

O  HOLY,  blessed,  and  glorious  God,  who  livest 
and  abidest  for  ever,  we  adore  thee  as  the  Sove- 
reign Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  the  Giver  and 
Preserver  of  all  good  things. 

Our  voice  shalt  tliou  hear,  O  Lord,  every 
morning;  for  every  morning  thy  mercies  towards 
us  are  renewed;  great  is  thy  faithfulness  and 
truth. 

How  many  of  our  fellow-creatures,  during  the 
hours  of  the  past  night,  have  slept  the  sleep  of 
death,  and  shall  awake  no  more  till  the  resurrec- 
tion in  the  last  day!  How  many,  like  their  Lord 
and  Master,  have  not  found  where  to  lay  their 
heads !  And  how  many  have  been  watering  their 
beds  with  tears,  full  of  tossings  to  and  fro,  to  the 
vlawuing  of  the  day:   whose  cry  has  been,  all  the 


152  FOURTH    WEEK. 

night,  "  Would  God  it  were  morning!"  and  whose 
cry  now  is,  "  Would  God  it  were  evening!" 

Lord,  what  are  we,  that  thou  shouldest  be  so 
mindful  of  us,  and  so  gracious  unto  us,  in  saving 
our  life  from  destruction,  and  crowning  us  with 
loving-kindness  and  tender  mercies! 

We  confess  that  thou  art  the  Lord  by  whom 
alone  we  have  escaped  death. 

And  we  beseech  thee  to  grant,  that,  with  our 
restored  strength  and  capacities,  we  may  give  up 
ourselves  afresh  to  thy  service.  Stir  us  up  to 
self-examination  and  reflection;  to  watchfulness 
and  pra3'er.  Break  through  our  habits  of  spiritual 
sloth  and  negligence ;  and  teach  us  the  value  of 
time,  while  yet  we  are  able  to  improve  it.  And 
we  earnestly  pray  thee,  O  heavenly  Father,  in 
v/hose  hands  are  the  issues  of  life  and  death,  to 
spare  our  lives,  till  the  work  is  finished  which  thou 
hast  given  us  to  do. 

O  God,  the  strength  of  them  that  trust  in  thee, 
we  implore  thy  special  presence  and  protection 
through  this  day;  not  knowing  what  a  day  may 
bring  forth;  only  that  sufficient  for  each  day  is 
the  evil  thereof. 

Be  with  us  in  what  immediately  lies  before  us. 
Watch  over  us  for  good  ;  and  keep  us  as  the 
apple  of  thine  eye.  Make  us  active  in  the  dis- 
charge of  present  duties.  Cleanse  us  from  our 
most  secret  faults,  and  keep  us  from  presumptuous 
sins,  lest  they  get  the  dominion  over  us. 

Save  us  from  the  corruptions  of  our  own  hearts ; 
from  the  wiles  and  assaults  of  the  prince  of  dark' 
ness;  and  from  the  wicked  practices  of  the  world 
around  us.  Give  us  grace  to  deny  ourselves,  to 
take  up  our  cross,  and  to  follow  Christ, 


Preserve  us,  at  home  and  abroad,  in  public  and 
in  private,  from  every  tiling  that  might  prove  to 
us  an  occasion  of  falling. 

And  since,  through  the  weakness  of  our  mortal 
nature,  we  can  do  no  good  thing  without  thee, 
grant  us,  continually,  the  help  of  thy  grace,  that 
in  keeping  thy  commandments  we  may  please 
thee  both  in  will  and  deed. 

Lord  of  all  power  and  might,  who  art  the  author 
and  giver  of  all  good  things,  graft  in  our  hearts 
the  love  of  thy  name ;  increase  in  us  true  religion  ; 
nourish  us  with-  all  goodness;  and,  of  thy  great 
mercy,  keep  us  in  the  same  all  the  days  of  our  life. 

Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  hear  our  supplications 
and  prayers  for  our  fellow-creatures  in  general; 
and  especially  for  such  as  are  exposed  to  any  of 
those  evils  from  which  we  are  mercifully  delivered. 

Sanctify  thy  fatherly  corrections  unto  theni ; 
and  do  thou,  the  Father  of  mercies  and  the  God 
of  all  comfort,  comfort  them  in  all  their  tribula- 
tions, that  they  may  not  faint  under  thy  afflicting 
hand.  As  their  sufferings  abound,  let  their  con- 
solations abound  also:  and  the  more  the  outv/ard 
man  decayeth,  the  more  may  they  be  renewed  bv 
thy  grace  and  holy  Spirit  in  the  inner  man :  that 
so  their  afflictions  may  be  the  means  of  working 
out  for  them  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory. 

Hear  us,  we  humbly  beseech  thee.  Almighty 
God:  and  as  thou  hast  given  us  grace  at  this 
time  with  one  accord  to  make  our  common  sup- 
plications unto  thee,  and  dost  promise,  that  when 
two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  thy  name, 
thou  wilt  grant  their  requests;  fulfil  now,  O  Lord, 
the  desires  and  petitions  of  th)  servants,  ai  inav 
11* 


154  FOURTH  ^VF-EK. 

be  most  expedient  for  them ;  granting  us,  in  this 
world,  knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and,  in  the  world 
to  come,  life  everlastin?. 

Our  Father,  ^c.      The  grace,  S^^c. 


•^^ 


TUESDAY   EVENING. 

O  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  it  is  meet  and 
right  that  unto  thee  all  flesh  should  come.  It  is 
very  meet  and  right,  and  our  bounden  duty,  that 
we  should,  at  all  times,  and  in  all  places,  give 
thanks  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  hol}^  Father,  almight}^ 
everlasting  God.  Therefore,  with  angels  and 
archangels,  and  all  the  company  of  heaven,  we 
laud  and  magnify  thy  glorious  name,  evermore 
praising  thee,  and  saying.  Holy,  holy,  holy.  Lord 
God  of  hosts,  heaven  and  earth  are  full  of  the 
majesty  of  thy  glory.  Glory  be  to  thee,  O  Lord 
most  high. 

Thou  hast  brought  us  so  far  to  the  conclusion 
of  another  day:  and  we  desire,  in  an  especial 
manner,  to  praise  thee  for  the  many  and  unde- 
served blessings  which  we  have  received.  It  is 
of  thy  mercies,  O  Lord,  that  we  are  not  consumed ; 
because  thy  compassions  fail  not;  and  because 
we  have  an  all-prevailing  Advocate,  ever  living  to 
make  intercession  for  us. 

Our  misdeeds  testify  against  us,  and  our  tres- 
pass is  grown  unto  the  heavens;  but  thy  mercy 
also  reacheth  to  the  heavens,  and  thy  truth  unto 
the  clouds.  Thou,  even  thou,  art  he,  that  blottest 
out  our  transgressions  for  thy  name's  sake,  and 
for  thv  beloved  Son's  sake  wilt  not  remember  our 


TUESDAY   EVEfJlNG.  155 

sins.  Through  him  thou  declarest  thyself  to  have 
no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  him  that  dieth;  hut 
hadst  rather  that  he  be  converted  and  live.  And 
through  him  thou  hast  promised  forgiveness  unto 
all  them  that  with  hearty  repentance  and  true 
faith  turn  unto  thee;  showing  mercy  unto  thou- 
sands in  them  that  love  thee  and  keep  thy  com- 
mandments. 

Be  merciful,  therefore,  unto  us,  O  God;  be 
merciful  unto  us;  for  our  soul  trusteth  in  thee. 
Pardon  and  deliver  us  from  all  our  sins;  confirm 
and  strengthen  us  in  all  goodness  ;  and  bring  us 
to  everlasting  life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Trusting  in  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies, 
and  in  thy  loving-kindnesses  which  have  been 
ever  of  old,  we  flee  unto  thee  for  rest  and  safety 
this  night. 

Thou  seest  that  we  have  no  ]?ower  of  ourselves 
to  help  ourselves.  Take  us,  therefore,  we  be- 
seech thee,  under  the  protection  of  thy  good 
providence.  Keep  us,  both  outwardly  in  our 
bodies,  and  inwardly  in  our  souls,  tliat  we  may  be 
defended  from  all  adversities  which  may  happen 
to  the  body,  and  from  all  evil  thoughts  which  may 
assault  and  hurt  the  soul. 

Bless  us  in  our  lying  down,  and  in  our  rising 
up.  May  we  remember  thee  on  our  bed ;  and 
think  on  thee  in  the  night-watches;  and  when  we 
awake,  may  we  still  be  with  thee. 

Furthermore,  we  entreat  thee,  O  Lord,  our 
God,  to  bless  the  whole  race  of  mankind  with  all 
things  needful  for  life  and  godliness. 

Prepare  thy  way  before  the  face  of  all  people ; 
and  visit  them  with  thy  salvation. 

Vouchsafe    thy    blessing    to    this    nation    and 


150  roUPwTH  WEEK. 

its  rulers,  and  lot  thy  glory  still  dwell  in  our 
land. 

To  all  thy  people  give  thy  grace,  that  they  may 
learn  to  fear  thee,  and  be  subject  to  the  higlior 
])Owers,  submitting  themselves  to  every  ordinance 
of  man  for  thy  sake.  Keep  us,  O  Lord,  from  all 
sedition,  privy  conspiracy,  and  rebellion;  and 
continue  to  stretch  forth  the  right  hand  of  thy 
Majesty,  to  be  our  defence  against  all  our  enemies. 

Give  and  preserve  to  our  use  the  kindly  fruits 
of  the  earth,  so  as  in  due  time  we  may  enjoy  them. 

Grant  that  the  course  of  this  world  ma}'  be  so 
peaceably  ordered  by  thy  governance,  that  thy 
Church  may  joyfully  serve  thee  in  all  godly  quiet- 
ness. 

Bless  all  who  have  done,  or  wished,  us  good; 
and  reward  them  sevenfold  into  their  bosoms. 

Do  good  to  those  who  have  done,  or  wished,  us 
evil;  and  give  them  repentance  and  better  minds. 

X^reserve  the  rich  and  prosperous  from  worldly 
pride;  and  the  poor  and  needy  from  murmurings, 
cnvyings,  and  discontent. 

Finally,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  the 
f4)untain  of  all  wisdom,  who  knowest  our  necessi- 
ties before  we  ask,  and  our  ignorance  in  asking, 
to  have  compassion  on  our  infirmities;  and  those 
things  which,  for  our  unworthiness,  we  dare  not, 
and,  for  our  blindness,  we  cannot  ask,  vouchsafe 
to  give  us,  for  the  worthiness  of  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Lord. 

Our  Father^  Sfc.     The  gracc^  ^c. 


WEDAESDAV    MORMXCf.  167 


AVEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  we  have 
erred  and  strayed  from  thy  ways  like  lost  sheep. 
We  have  followed  too  much  the  devices  and  de- 
sires of  our  own  hearts.  We  have  offended 
against  thy  holy  laws.  We  have  left  undone 
those  things  which  we  ought  to  have  done :  and 
we  have  done  those  things  which  we  ought  not  to 
have  done :  and  there  is  no  health  in  us.  But 
thou,  O  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  miserable 
offenders.  Spare  thou  them,  O  God,  which 
confess  their  faults.  Restore  thou  them  that  are 
penitent:  according  to  thy  promises  declared 
unto  mankind,  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

And  grant,  O  most  merciful  Father,  for  his 
sake,  that  we  may  hereafter  live  a  godly,  righte- 
ous, and  sober  hfe,  to  the  glory  of  thy  holy  name. 

Help  us  especially  so  to  live  through  the  day 
upon  which  we  have  entered. 

Bless  us  in  all  our  ways;  and,  whatever  we 
do,  may  we  do  it  heartily  as  unto  thee,  with  a 
single  eye  to  thy  glory,  and  a  humble  dependence 
on  thy  fatherly  protection. 

Enlighten  our  understanding;  control  our  wills; 
and  sanctify  our  affections.  Preserve  us,  that 
neither  the  pleasures,  nor  the  cares,  nor  the 
honours  of  this  life,  turn  away  our  thoughts  from 
the  life  which  is  to  come.  May  we  learn  and 
labour  daily  to  live  above  the  world  ;  and  to 
follow  all  our  occupations  in  it  with  a  heavenly 
mind. 

Enable  us  faithfully  to  discharge  our  several 
duties  to  thee,  and  to  our  fellow-creatures ;  that 


158  FOURTH  -VTEEK. 

we  may  be  useful  in  our  generation  among  men, 
and  steadfast  in  our  covenant  with  thee.  Having 
had  much  forgiven  of  thee,  may  we  love  thee 
much,  and  strive  to  please  thee  in  all  our  ways. 

And  grant  that  nothing  may  ever  separate  be- 
tween us  and  thee,  by  causing  us  to  grow  weary 
of  thy  service.  But  may  we  keep  thy  covenant 
for  ever ;  and  think  upon  thy  commandments  to 
do  them,  finding  thy  yoke  easy,  and  thy  burden 
light ;  yea,  accounting  thy  service  perfect  free- 
dom, and  the  very  joy  of  our  heart. 

Lord,  we  pray  thee  that  thy  grace  may  always 
.prevent  and  follow  us,  and  make  us  continually 
to  be  given  to  all  good  works. 

We  desire  to  offer  up  our  unfeigned  thanks- 
givings for  the  good  which  thou  mayest  already 
iiave  wrought  in  us,  and  for  every  mercy  which 
thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  our  bodies  and  our  souls. 
Day  by  day  we  give  thanks  unto  thee,  and  praise 
thy  name. 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high,  and  on  earth  peace, 
good  will  towards  men.  We  praise  thee,  we  bless 
thee,  we  worship  thee,  we  glorify  thee,  we  give 
thanks  unto  thee  for  thy  great  glory,  O  Lord  God, 
heavenl}'^  Kingi  C^od  the  Father  Almighty. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  to  embrace  with 
the  arms  of  thy  mercy  not  only  ourselves,  but  all 
who  partake  of  our  fallen  nature. 

Pity  and  convert  the  wicked.  May  they  no 
longer  make  a  mock  at  sin,  but  learn  to  tremble 
at  that  wrath  which  thou  hast  revealed  against  all 
ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men,  fearing 
thee,  who  art  able  to  destroy  both  body  and  soul 
hi  hell.  Give  them  grace  to  stand  in  awe  of  thy 
judgments,  and  to  sin  no  more. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  159 

Bless  thy  faithful  people  with  knowledge  and 
good  understanding  in  the  ways  of  godliness  :  and 
let  not  the  children  of  this  world  be  wiser  in  their 
generation  than  the  children  of  light. 

And  since  many  are  the  afflictions  of  the 
righteous,  Lord,  remember  them,  and  all  their 
trou^jles ;  yea,  may  they  be  had  before  thee  in 
everlasting  remembrance.  Though  troubled  on 
every  side,  let  them  not  be  distressed  ;  though 
perplexed,  let  them  not  be  in  despair;  though 
persecuted^  let  tl>em  not  be  forsaken;  though 
cast  down,  let  them  not  be  destroyed.  In  all 
their  afflictions  be  thou  afflicted;  and  let  the 
angel  of  thy  presence  save  them.  In  thy  love, 
and  in  thy  pity,  do  thou  redeem  them ;  and  bear 
them,  and  carry  them,  as  in  the  days  of  old. 

Grant  that  every  affliction,  though  not  for  the 
present  joyous,  but  grievous,  may  yield  the  peace- 
able fruit3  of  righteousness  to  such  as  are  exercised 
thereby. 

And  do  thou  bring  them,  at  the  last,  to  that 
place  of  rest  and  peace,  where  thou  wilt  wipe 
away  all  tears  from  their  faces;  where  there  shall 
be  no  more  sorrow,  nor  crying;  neither  shall 
there  be  any  more  pain ;  and  the  former  things 
shall  pass  away. 

Assist  us  mercifully,  O  Lord,  in  these  our 
supplicafions^  and  prayers ;  and  dispose  the  way 
of  thy  servants  towards  the  attainment  of  ever- 
lasting salvation ;  that,  among  all  the  changes 
and  chances  of  this  mortal  life,  we  may  ever  be 
defended  by  thy  most  gracious  and  ready  help^ 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father^  ^"c.      The  grace^  ^c. 


I()0  FOURTH    WEEK. 

WEDNESDAY   EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  who  makest  liglit  and  Greatest 
darkness,  the  returns  of  the  morning  and  evening 
praise  thee. 

We  have  been  defended  by  thy  mighty  power 
through  the  day;  and  we  desire  to  conclude  it  by 
speaking  good  of  thy  name. 

The  dead  praise  not  thee,  O  Lord  ;  neither  all 
they  that  go  down  to  the  silence  of  the  grave. 
But  let  the  living,  let  the  living  praise  thee. 
Grant  that  we,  while  we  have  any  being,  may 
sing  praises  unto  thee,  our  God. 

Put  now  into  our  mouths  that  glorious  song  of 
thanksgiving,  which  none  can  sing  but  the  re- 
deemed of  the  Lord ;  and,  when  this  life  is  ended, 
may  we  be  prepared  to  join  that  countless  multi- 
tude before  thy  throne,  who  rest  not,  day  and 
night,  proclaiming  the  praises  of  him  who  loved 
them,  and  washed  them  from  their  sins  in  his  own 
blood. 

And,  that  we  may  be  so  prepared,  we  pray  thee, 
O  Lord  Jesus,  to  love  us,  as  thou  hast  loved  them  ; 
and  to  wash  us,  as  thou  hast  washed  them. 

They  were  by  nature  children  of  wrath,  even 
as  we.  We  have  heard  with  our  ears,  and  our 
fathers  have  declared  unto  us  the  noble  works 
which  thou  didst  in  their  days,  and  in  the  old 
time  before  them.  And  thy  arm  is  not  shortened, 
that  it  cannot  save ;  nor  is  thy  ear  heavy,  that  it 
cannot  hear. 

Look  therefore  upon  us,  even  upon  us,  also, 
O  Lord,  our  Redeemer.  Arise,  help  us,  and 
deliver  us,  for  thy  name's  sake.  Arise,  help  us, 
and  deliver  us,  for  thine  honour. 


wi:dnesdav  evEi\i.\«.  161 

Grant  that  we  may  be  thine,  and  that  all  tilings 
may  be  ours;  whether  the  world,  or  life,  or  death, 
or  things  present,  or  things  to  come.  And  do 
thou,  the  God  of  all  grace,  who  hast  called  us  to 
thy  kingdom  and  glory,  make  us  perfect  to  do 
thy  will.     Stablish,  strengthen,  settle  us. 

Be  unto  us  a  tower  of  strength  against  all  our 
enemies.  Let  them  be  ashamed  and  confounded 
that  seek  after  our  souls  to  destroy  them:  let 
them  be  turned  backward  and  put  to  confusion, 
as  many  as  wish  us  evil.  And,  that  they  may  not 
get  advantage  of  us  unawares,  let  us  not  be  igno- 
rant of  their  devices:  but  grant  that  we  may  be 
always  sober,  and  watchful  unto  prayer,  putting 
on  the  breast-plate  of  faith  and  love,  and  for  a 
helmet  the  hope  of  salvation. 

We  look  up  to  thee,  O  Lord  Almighty,  for  thy 
blessing  through  the  night.  May  we  lie  down, 
and  not  be  afraid:  may  we  lie  down,  and  may 
our  sleep  be  sweet  unto  us.  And  grant  that, 
whether  waking  or  sleeping,  we  may  live  toge- 
ther with  thee. 

We  desire,  also,  to  commend  our  fellow-crea- 
tures to  thy  fatherly  mercy. 

We  humbly  beseech  thee,  O  thou  Fountain  of 
goodness,  to  bless  our  civil  rulers.  Endue  them 
with  thy  Holy  Spirit;  enrich  them  with  thy  hea- 
venly grace;  prosper  them  with  all  happiness; 
and  bring  them  to  thy  everlasting  kingdom. 

Remember  for  good  the  churches  which  thy 
right  hand  hath  planted ;  and  water  them  abun- 
dantly with  the  dew  of  thy  blessing. 

Clothe  thy  ministers  with  the  armour  of  righ- 
teousness, on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left. 

Make  thy  chosen  people  joyful  in  thy  salvation, 
15 


162  FOURTH  WEEK. 

Bless  all  parents  and  heads  of  families.  I>eli- 
ver  them  from  that  wrath  which  thou  hast  threat- 
ened to  pour  out  upon  those  who  know  thee  not, 
and  upon  the  families  that  call  not  upon  thy 
name.  Give  them  grace  to  walk  in  thy  ways, 
and  to  command  their  households  after  them, 
bringing  up  their  children  in  the  nurture  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord. 

And  upon  all  children  pour  down  the  riches  of 
thy  grace;  sanctify  and  bless  them;  and  dispose 
their  hearts  to  love,  honour,  and  succour  their 
fathers  and  mothers. 

Bless  also  all  servants ;  and  teach  them  to  be 
obedient  unto  their  own  masters,  and  to  please 
them  well  in  all  things;  not  answering  again j 
nor  purloining;  but  showing  all  good  fidelity; 
that  they  may  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  their 
Saviour  in  all  things. 

We  pray  thee,  finally,  O  merciful  Lord,  who 
never  failest  to  help  and  govern  them  whom  thou 
dost  bring  up  in  thy  steadfast  fear  and  love,  to 
remember  and  to  bless  with  thy  choicest  mercies 
such  as,  on  any  account,  are  peculiarly  dear  unto 
us.  Keep  them,  we  beseech  thee,  under  the  pro- 
tection of  thy  good  providence,  and  make  them 
to  have  a  perpetual  fear  and  love  of  th}^  name. 
Let  thy  fatherly  hand  be  ever  over  them :  let  thy 
Holy  Spirit  be  ever  with  them ;  and  so  lead  them 
in  the  knowledge  and  obedience  of  thy  word, 
that,  in  the  end,  they  may  obtain  everlasting  sal- 
vation, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord ;  whoj  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  liveth  and  reigneth, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 

Our  Father  J  S^-'c.      The  grace,  S^c. 


TUURSDAY  MORNLNG.  163 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

O  ETERNAL  God,  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all 
mankind,  Giver  of  all  spiritual  grace,  the  Author 
of  everlasting  life,  enable  us  to  draw  nigh  unto 
thee  by  faith,  in  the  name  of  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  our  only  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  choosest,  and 
causest  to  approach  thee.  For  in  thy  presence 
is  the  fulness  of  joy;  and  at  thy  right  hand  are 
pleasures  for  evermore.  Even  here  there  is  a 
joy  in  thy  service  with  which  a  stranger  inter- 
meddleth  not,  and  a  peace  which  passeth  all  un- 
derstanding. Grant,  O  most  merciful  Lord,  that 
all  of  us  who  are  now  assembled  together,  may 
be  made  partakers  of  this  blessedness.  Cause  us 
to  hear  thy  loving-kindness  in  the  morning,  for 
in  thee  do  we  trust.  Cause  us  to  know  the  way 
wherein  we  should  go,  for  we  lift  up  our  souls  unto 
thee. 

Whom  have  we,  O  Lord,  in  heaven,  but  thee? 
And  whom  upon  earth  ought  we  to  desire  in  com- 
parison of  thee  1  Grant  that  we  may  ever  have 
fellowship  with  thee,  and  with  thy  Son,  Jesus 
Christ.  May  he  dwell  in  us,  and  we  in  him. 
Show  us  thy  glory,  we  beseech  thee;  and  make 
all  thy  goodness  pass  before  us,  that  we  may 
taste  and  see  how  gracious  thou  art. 

We  confess  our  own  exceeding  unworthiness 
to  implore  these  great  mercies  at  thy  hands.  For 
we  grieve  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  day  to  day,  and 
provoke  thee  to  leave  us  to  ourselves.  Instead 
of  delighting  ourselves  in  thee,  we  have  followed 
after  other  gods.    We  have  sought  our  happiness 


164 


roURTII  WEEK. 


in  the  world,  more  than  in  thy  favour  and  love ; 
and  too  often  we  have  made  our  hearts  the  abode 
of  uucleanness,  rather  than  the  habitation  of  thy 
blessed  Spirit,  How  long,  O  Lord,  shall  our  vain 
thoughts  and  sinful  imaginations  thus  lodge  with- 
in us  ?  O  cast  us  not  away  from  thy  presence, 
and  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us. 

Unto  thee  do  we  lift  up  our  eyes,  O  thou  that 
dwellest  in  the  heavens.  Behold,  as  the  eyes  of 
servants  look  unto  the  hands  of  their  masters, 
and  as  the  eyes  of  a  maiden  unto  the  hands  of 
her  mistress,  even  so  our  eyes  wait  upon  thee,  O 
Lord  our  God,  until  thou  have  mercy  upon  us. 

O  most  mighty  God,  and  most  merciful  Father, 
who  hast  compassion  upon  all  men,  and  hatest 
nothing  that  thou  hast  made,  who  wouldest  not 
the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he  should 
turn  from  his  sin  and  be  saved,  mercifully  forgive 
us  our  trespasses;  receive  and  comfort  us,  who 
are  grieved  and  wearied  with  the  burden  of  our 
•sins.  Thy  property  is  always  to  have  mercy. 
To  thee  only  it  appertaineth  to  forgive  sins. 
Spare  us,  therefore,  good  Lord,  spare  thy  people, 
whom  thou  hast  redeemed :  enter  not  into  judg- 
ment with  thy  servants,  who  are  vile  earth,  and 
miserable  sinners;  but  so  turn  thy  anger  from 
us,  who  desire  meekly  to  acknowledge  our  vile- 
ness,  and  truly  to  repent  us  of  our  sins :  and  so 
make  haste  to  help  us  in  this  world,  that  we  may 
ever  live  with  tliee  in  the  world  to  come. 

Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  receive  our  thanks- 
givings for  thy  goodness  and  loving-kindness 
which  have  followed  us  all  our  days;  and  parti- 
cularly for  thy  preservation  of  us  during  the 
nijrht-scason. 


THURSDAY  MORNING.  165 

Thy  covenant  of  tlie  day  and  night  is  not 
broken,  though  we  have  so  often  broken  our 
covenant  with  thee. 

We  commit  ourselves  afresh  this  morning  to 
thy  loving-kindness  and  tender  mercies,  which 
have  been  towards  us  ever  of  old. 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread,  both  tempo* 
ral  and  spiritual. 

Bestow  upon  us  such  a  measure  of  worldly 
goods  as  may  be  needful  and  profitable  for  us. 
May  the  glorious  majesty  of  the  Lord  our  God 
be  upon  us.  Prosper  thou  the  work  of  our  hands 
upon  us;  O  prosper  thou  our  handy-work. 

Above  all,  feed  us  with  the  bread  of  life,  which 
cometh  down  from  heave;i ;  and  which  thou  givest 
for  the  life  of  the  world.  Lord,  evermore  givo 
unto  us  this  bread;  and  nourish  us  with  it,  even 
unto  life  eternal. 

May  we  always  have  grace  to  seek  first  thy 
kingdom  and  righteousness;  and  to  trust  thy  un- 
failing promise,  that  all  other  things  shall  be 
added  unto  us. 

Pour  down,  we  beseech  thee,  these  blessings 
on  our  fellow-creatures  in  general;  and  especially 
on  such  as  we  desire  continually  to  remember 
before  thy  throne. 

Favourably  receive,  O  heavenly  Father,  these 
our  prayers  for  them,  and  for  ourselves;  and 
answer  them,  not  according  to  our  merits,  but 
according  to  the  merits  of  thy  beloved  Son,  our 
only  Mediator  and  Advocate,  Jesus  Christ  the 
righteous. 

Our  Father^  S^^c.     The  grace,  4*^* 


15* 


106  FOLUTII  WLEK. 


THURSDAY  EVENING. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  Lord  God,  the  Creator 
of  the  ends  of  the  earth,  that  faintest  not,  neither 
art  weary,  whose  mercy  endureth  for  ever,  who 
is  a  God  like  unto  thee,  that  pardonest  iniquity, 
and  passest  by  the  transgression  of  th}^  heritage; 
that  retainest  not  thy  anger  for  ever,  because 
thou  delightest  in  mercy  1 

When  we  call  to  remembrance  the  days  tliat 
are  gone,  from  our  youth  up  even  until  now,  and 
consider  how  many  of  them  liave  been  spent  in 
forgetfulness  of  thee,  innumerable  sorrows  might 
well  encompass  us;  and  our  sins  take  such  hold 
upon  us,  that  we  should  not  be  able  to  look  up. 
Seeing  they  arc  more  in  number  than  the  hairs 
of  our  head,  our  hearts  might  well  fail  because 
of  them,  did  we  not  know  that  thy  compassions 
fail  not. 

We  have  abundant  cause,  O  Lord,  to  remem- 
ber, and  to  be  confounded,  and  never  to  opesi 
our  mouth  any  more  because  of  our  sliame,  even 
though  thou  shouldest  be  pacified  towards  us  for 
all  that  we  have  done. 

We  therefore  bless  thee  for  Jesus,  the  Media- 
tor of  the  new  covenant;  through  whom  we  hope 
to  be  justified  from  all  things,  from  which  we 
could  not  be  justified  by  any  righteousness  of  our 
own. 

We  adore  and  magnify  thy  name,  O  Father 
of  mercies  and  God  of  all  consolation,  for  having 
called  us  with  a  holy  calling,  not  according  to 
our  works,  but  according  to  thy  own  purpose  and 
grace,  given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world 


THURSDAY  EVENINQ.  167 

began;  whom  having  not  seen,  we  love;  and  in 
whom,  though  now  we  see  him  not,  yet  believing, 
we  may  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of 
glory. 

O  for  a  song  of  praise !  for  a  psalm  of  everlast- 
ing thanksgiving  unto  thee,  the  God  of  our  salva- 
tion !  O  Lamb  of  God,  worthy  art  thou  that  wast 
slain;  for  ii\ou  hast  redeemed  us  unto  God  by 
thy  blood !  Worthy  art  thou  that  wast  slain,  to 
receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and 
strength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  blessing. 

Teach  us,  O  Lord,  to  live,  day  by  day,  in 
humble  dependence  on  thy  promises,  in  cheerful 
obedience  to  thy  laws,  and  in  a  sure  and  certain 
hope  of  a  blessed  immortality. 

Keep  us,  we  beseech  thee,  with  thy  perpetual 
mercy:  and,  because  the  frailty  of  man,  without 
tliee,  cannot  but  fall,  keep  us  ever  by  thy  help 
from  all  things  hurtful,  and  lead  us  to  all  things 
profitable  to  our  salvation. 

From  all  our  enemies,  temporal  and  spiritual, 
defend  us,  O  Christ. 

In  all  time  of  our  tribulation,  in  all  time  of  our 
prosperity,  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  in  the  day 
of  judgment,  good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

Grant  that,  being  received  for  thy  own  children 
by  adoption,  and  being  incorporated  into  thy  holy 
Church,  we  may  receive  the  fulness  of  thy  grace, 
and  ever  remain  in  the  number  of  thy  faithful 
children;  and  finally,  with  the  residue  of  thy 
people,  may  be  made  partakers  of  thy  heavenly 
kingdom. 

Preserve  us,  especially,  from  all  the  evils  to 
which  we  may  be  exposed  this  night.  Graciously 
cive  thy  angels  charge  concerning  us,  to  pitch 


163  FOURTH  WEEK. 

ikeir  tents  around  our  beds:  and  grant  that  our 
friends,  our  neighbours,  and  all  who  are  dear  to 
us,  may  be  brought  in  safety  to  the  beginning  of 
another  day. 

But,  whereas  we  continually  carry  about  us  a 
body  of  death,  give  unto  us  all  grace  to  consider 
our  latter  end. 

As  often  as  wc  are  about  to  lie  down  on  the 
bed  of  sleep,  help  us  to  look  forward  to  that  sloe]) 
in  the  dust  of  the  earth,  from  which  all  shall 
awake  at  the  last,  some  to  everlasting  life,  and 
some  to  shame  and  everlasting  contempt. 

And  may  we  be  found  meet  in  that  day,  to 
join  in  that  glorious  song  which  thou  hast  pre- 
pared for  those  who  wait  for  thy  appearing: 
'*  Lo  !  this  is  our  God :  we  have  waited  for  him, 
and  he  will  save  us.  This  is  the  Lord:  we  will 
rejoice  and  be  glad  in  his  salvation." 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  dost  govern 
all  things  in  heaven  and  earth,  mercifully  hear 
these  our  supplications;  and  grant  us  thy  peace; 
all  the  days  of  our  life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

Our  Father^  S^^c.      The  gracc^  ^"c. 


FRIDAY  MORNIING. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  hast  re- 
newed thy  mercies  towards  us  together  with  this 
morning  light,  thou  art  the  God  of  our  life,  and 
the  refuge  of  our  souls.  Day  by  djiy  will  wo, 
make  our  prayer  unto  thee. 


FRIDAY  MORNING.  169 

liOok  down  upon  us,  O  Lord,  from  thy  holj 
temple:  from  thy  throne  in  the  heaven  gf  hea- 
vens, indine  thine  ear,  and  hear  us. 

Remember  the  everlasting  covenant  of  grace 
which  thou  hast  established  in  the  blood  of  thy 
beloved  Son;  and,  for  the  glory  of  thy  name, 
vouchsafe  unto  us  the  pardon  of  our  sins,  and  all 
other  sjDiritual  blessings. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that 
we,  who  for  our  evil  deeds  do  worthily  deserve 
to  be  punished,  by  the  comfort  of  thy  grace 
may  be  mercifully  relieved,  through  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

And  while  many  are  inquiring.  Who  will  show 
them  any  earthly  good"?  Lord,  lift  thou  up  the 
light  of  thy  countenance  upon  us. 

Shov/  unto  us  more  of  the  vanity  of  the  world ; 
of  the  misery  of  sin;  of  the  worth  of  our  souls; 
of  the  excellency  of  Christ;  and  of  the  beauty  of 
holiness. 

Teach  us  that  one  thing  is  needful ;  and  that 
one  thing  let  us  do;  giving  all  diligence  to  make 
our  calling  and  election  sure;  growing  in  grace 
and  humility,  and  increasing  in  the  knowledge  of 
thy  holy  ways. 

Keep  us  this  day  with  thy  mighty  power.  May 
we  be  in  thy  fear  all  the  day  long,  serving  thee 
as  dear  children,  in  the  spirit  of  adoption. 

Deliver  us  from  all  sin  and  wickedness,  and 
from  all  the  deceits  of  the  world,  the  flesh,  and 
the  devil. 

From  all  blindness  of  heart,  from  pride,  vain- 
glory, and  hypocrisy,  from  envy,  hatred,  and 
malice,  and  all  uncharitableness,  good  Lord,  de- 
liver us. 


1/0  TOURTll  WEEK. 

Mdke  us  humble  and  lowly  in  spirit,  cheerful 
and  contented  in  our  stations,  true  and  just  in 
our  dealings,  diligent  and  faithful  in  our  callings, 
kind  and  tender-hearted  towards  our  fellow-crea- 
tures, forgiving  the  offences  of  others,  as  we  hope 
to  be  forgiven  of  thee ;  bringing  under  the  body, 
and  keeping  it  in  subjection;  watching  over]  our 
thoughts,  words,  and  actions,  and  letting  our  mo- 
deration be  known  unto  all  men. 

Thus,  while  we  live,  let  Christ  be  om-  life;  and 
when  we  die,  let  death  be  our  gain.  And  do 
thou,  O  God,  who  hast  prepared  for  them  that 
love  thee,  such  good  things  as  pass  man's  under- 
standing, pour  into  our  hearts,  from  day  to  day, 
such  love  toward  thee,  tliat  we,  loving  thee  above 
all  things,  may  obtain  thy  promises,  which  exceed 
all  that  we  can  desire. 

Graciously  vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  to  let  our  in- 
tercessions come  up  before  thee  in  behalf  of  thoso 
for  whom  we  are  commanded  to  pray. 

May  it  please  thee  to  have  mercy  on  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth. 

Look  with  an  eye  of  pity  and  love  upon  this 
Bation  in  gejieral ;  and  especially  upon  such  as 
are  faithful  in  the  land;  upoE  all  who  fear  thee, 
itnd  trust  in  thy  mercy. 

Show  unto  them  that  are  in  error  the  light 
of  thy  trutli,  and  cause  them  to  return  into  the 
way  of  righteousness  :  and  grant  unto  all  such  as 
are  admitted  into  the  fellowship  of  Christ's  reli- 
gion, that  they  may  eschew  those  things  that  are 
contrary  to  their  profession,  and  follow  all  such 
things  as  are  agreeable  to  the  snme. 

Heal  the  distractions  of  thy  Church;  and  pour 
down  upon  it  the  spirit  of  unity  and  godly  love. 


FKIDAY  EVENING.  171 

Assemble  the  outcasts  of  Israel,  and  gather 
together  the  dispersed  of  Judah. 

May  it  please  thee,  of  thy  great  goodness,  to 
provide  for  the  poor  and  needy;  to  preserve  all 
sick  persons  and  young  children;  and  to  show 
thy  pity  upon  all  prisoners  and  captives. 

May  it  please  thee  to  bless  with  thy  most  gra- 
cious favour,  those  whom  we  love,  and  those  who 
love  us;  and  to  grant  that  we  may  all  be  loved 
of  thee.  Let  our  dwelling,  our  persons,  our  sub- 
stance, and  all  that  we  have,  be  blessed  of  thee, 
the  God  of  all  blessing,  this  day,  and  for  ever- 
more. 

Finally,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  who 
seest  that  we  know  not  of  ourselves  how,  or  for 
what,  to  pray  as  we  ought,  mercifully  pardon  all 
that  we  have  asked  amiss;  give  unto  us  all  that 
tve  have  been  enabled  to  ask,  agreeably  to  thy 
will;  and  plentifully  bestow  upon  us  all  those 
good  things  which,  through  our  ignorance,  we 
have  neglected  to  ask,  and  which  we  desire  now 
to  ask,  in  the  comprehensive  words  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ : — 

Our  Father,  S^c.      The  grace,  Sfc, 


FRIDAY  EVENING. 

Let  thy  merciful  ears,  O  Lord,  be  open  to  the 
prayers  of  thy  humble  servants;  and  that  we  may 
obtain  our  petitions,  make  us  to  ask  such  things, 
and  in  such  a  way,  as  shall  please  thee,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Thou  hast  graciously  assured  us,  that  whoso 


172  FOURTH  WEEK. 

confesseth  and  forsaketh  his  sins,  shall  find  mercy. 
Help  us,  therefore,  to  confess  our  iniquity  with 
that  godly  sorrow  which  worketh  repentance  unto 
salvation,  not  to  be  repented  of;  and  to  approach 
thee  with  the  sacrifice  of  a  broken  and  contrite 
heart,  which  thou,  O  God,  wilt  not  despise. 

Look  down  upon  us,  through  the  Son  of  thy 
love,  in  whom  thou  canst  be  just,  and  yet  tlie 
justifier  of  all  who  truly  believe  in  him. 

Lord,  we  believe;  help  thou  our  unbelief.  Par- 
don our  backwardness  to  receive  the  record  which 
thou  hast  given  of  thy  Son.  Forgive  our  slowness 
of  heart  to  believe  all  that  thy  prophets  and  apos- 
tles have  spoken  of  thy  great  salvation.  Upbraid 
us  not  for  our  want  of  faith  in  laying  hold  of  tliy 
exceeding  great  and  precious  promises,  when  a 
sense  of  our  unworthiness  weigheth  down  our 
souls. 

And  since  thou  art  faithful  who  hast  promised, 
and  with  thee  is  no  variableness,  neither  shadow 
of  turning,  help  us  no  longer  to  stagger  at  thy 
promises,  through  unbelief;  but  to  be  strong  in 
faith,  giving  glory  unto  thee,  and  believing  that 
what  thou  hast  promised,  thou  wilt  also  faithfully 
perform. 

Grant,  also,  O  God,  that  we  may  guard  against 
every  thing  which  might  serve  to  weaken  tlie 
ground  of  our  confidence  towards  thee.  May  we 
never  grieve  thy  Spirit,  nor  wound  our  own  con- 
science, by  doing  what  our  heart  condemneth: 
but  may  we  always  walk  according  to  the  light 
which  we  receive;  and  always  be  enabled  with 
truth  to  say,  Thou,  O  Lord,  who  knowest  all 
things,  knowest  that  we  love  thee. 

Seal  us,  we  pray  thee,  with  that  holy  Spirit 


TRIDAY  EVENING.  173 

of  promise  which   is  the   earnest  of  our  inhe- 
ritance. 

Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  thou  who 
art  the  author  of  peace  and  lover  of  concord,  in 
knowledge  of  whom  standeth  our  eternal  life, 
whose  service  is  perfect  freedom,  to  defend  us, 
thy  humble  servants,  in  all  assaults  of  our  ene- 
mies; that  we,  surely  trusting  in  thy  defence, 
may  not  fear  the  power  of  any  adversaries, 
through  the  might  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

And  grant  that  we,  through  thy  help,  may  both 
faithfully  live  and  walk  according  to  thy  will  in 
this  life  present,  and  also  may  be  partakers  of 
everlasting  glory  in  the  life  to  come. 

Of  thy  bountiful  goodness,  O  Lord,  pour  down 
thy  blessings  on  the  whole  human  race,  that  all 
nations  whom  thou  hast  made  may  come  and 
worship  before  thee,  and  glorify  thy  name. 

Especially  bless  our  own  country. 

Save  us  from  national  judgments;  from  foreign 
oppression ;  and  from  domestic  tumults. 

From  lightning  and  tempest;  from  plague,  pes- 
tilence, and  famine;  from  battle  and  murder,  and 
from  sudden  death;  good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

May  it  please  thee  to  keep  and  strengthen  in 
the  true  worshipping  of  thee,  in  righteousness 
and  holiness  of  hfe,  all  who  are  invested  with 
authority  in  our  national  and  state  governments. 

May  It  please  thee  to  bless  and  keep  all  thy 
people. 

May  it  please  thee,  likewise,  to  regard  with 
thy  love  and  compassion,  our  beloved  friends  and 
neighbours.  Keep  them  steadfast  in  thy  faith  and 
fear.  Guide  them  by  thy  counsel  here,  and  re- 
ceive them  hereafter  to  the  kingdom  of  thv  fflorv 
16  -^  ^     J' 


T74  FOURTH   WEEK. 

Hear  us,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  in  these 
our  prayers  and  intercessions:  and  accept  our 
hearty  thanks  for  the  mercies  of  the  past  day. 

And  further  hear  us,  while  we  implore  the 
continuance  of  thy  blessings  upon  us,  particularly 
through  the  night-season.  Hide  us  under  the 
shadow  of  thy  s-lmighty  wings,  till  the  perils  and 
dangers  of  darkness  shall  have  passed  away. 

Finally,  may  it  please  thee,  O  most  merciful 
Father,  with  thy  perpetual  favour  to  look  upon 
us,  that,  by  thy  great  goodness,  we  may  be  go- 
verned and  preserved  evermore,  both  in  body 
and  soul,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.      The  grace,  6fc. 


SATURDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  God,  who  turnest  the  shadow  of  deatli 
into  morning,  and  causest  thy  sun  daily  to  rise 
on  the  evil  and  on  the  good,  we  humbly  approach 
thee  with  the  offering  of  our  thanks  and  praise, 
for  having  preserved  us  once  more  to  meet  toge- 
ther in  thy  presence. 

We  beseech  thee  to  grant  that  thy  manifold 
and  great  mercies  pertaining  to  the  present  life, 
may  be  always  remembered  by  us  with  gratitude 
and  love. 

May  we  think  of  them  when  we  lie  down,  and 
when  we  rise  up ;  when  we  sit  in  the  house,  and 
when  we  walk  by  the  way. 

These  mercies,  we  acknowledge,  no  righteous- 
ness of  our  own  hath  merited,  nor  hath  our  own 
prudence  or  strength  procured  them ;  and  there- 


SATURDAY  MORNING.  175 

fore,  not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unta 
thy  name  be  all  the  praise;  to  thy  power,  and 
wisdom,  and  goodness,  by  which  alone  we  have 
been  preserved;  and  to  thy  bountiful  and  gra- 
cious providence,  by  which  our  wants  have  been 
supplied. 

To  thee,  also,  we  are  wholly  indebted  for  all 
spiritual  blessings.  Thou  didst  make  man  up- 
right at  first;  but  we  sought  out  many  inventions, 
and  corrupted  our  way  before  thee.  Yet  when 
we  had  the  sentence  of  death  in  ourselves,  thou 
saidst  unto  us,  Live.  Thou  hast  delivered  us 
from  so  great  a  death,  and  dost  deliver;  and  we 
trust  thou  wilt  yet  deliver  us;  for  thou  hast  not 
appointed  thy  people  unto  wrath,  but  to  obtain 
salvation  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Let  not  any  of  us,  we  pray  thee,  neglect  so 
great  salvation.  But,  since  thou  hast  given  thy 
only  Son  to  be  unto  us  both  a  sacrifice  for  sin, 
and  also  an  ensample  of  godly  life,  give  us  grace 
that  we  may  always  most  thankfully  receive  that 
his  inestimable  benefit,  and  also  daily  endeavour 
ourselves  to  follow  the  blessed  steps  of  his  most 
holy  life. 

Like  him,  may  we  learn  to  renounce  the  devil 
and  all  his  works,  the  vain  pomp  and  glory  of 
the  world,  with  all  covetous  desires  of  the  same, 
and  the  carnal  desires  of  the  flesh,  so  that  we 
may  not  follow  nor  be  led  by  them. 

Grant  unto  us,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  the 
spirit  to  think  and  to  do  alway  such  things  as  be 
rightful;  that  we,  who  cannot  do  auy  thing  that 
is  good  without  thee,  may  by  thee  be  enabled  to 
live  according  to  thy  will ;  and  so  in  the  end  may 
<!>btaja  everlastin":  life 


176 


FOURTH  WEEK. 


Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  bestow  on  others  tha 
blessings  which  we  have  implored  for  ourselves. 

Prosper  all  endeavours  to  spread  abroad  thy 
Gospel  in  the  world. 

While  many  are  running  to  and  fro  in  the 
earth,  let  the  knowledge  of  thy  salvation  be  in- 
creased. Give  unto  thy  beloved  Son  dominion 
and  glory,  and  a  kingdom;  and  let  all  people, 
nations,  and  languages,  serve  him:  and  let  his 
dominion  be  an  everlasting  dominion,  which  shall 
not  pass  away;  and  his  kingdom  that  which  shall 
not  be  destroyed. 

O  thou  who  dividest  to  the  nations  their  in- 
heritance, and  settest  the  bounds  of  the  people, 
thou  upon  whom  the  isles  do  wait,  graciously 
behold  this  land. 

We  beseech  thee  to  save  and  defend  all  Chris- 
tian rulers;  especially  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  the  great  council  of  the  nation,  and  all 
that  are  put  in  authority  under  them,  that  they 
may  truly  and  impartially  administer  justice,  to 
the  punishment  of  wickedness  and  vice,  and  to 
the  maintenance  of  thy  true  religion  and  virtue. 

Give  also  unto  those  who  are  under  authority 
a  spirit  of  meekness  and  submission ;  a  spirit  of 
contentment  and  obedience;  a  spirit  of  sure 
trust  and  confidence  in  thee,  who  makest  poor 
and  makest  rich;  who  bringest  low,  and  liftest 
up;  who  puttest  down  one,  and  raisest  up  an- 
other. 

Regard  with  peculiar  favour  those  parts  of  the 
land  which  thou  hast  made  the  habitation  of  our 
dear  friends  and  benefactors,  of  our  relations  and 
neighbours. 

And   pour   down  upon  us  all  a  spirit  of  un- 


SATURDAY  EVE  MM;.  177 

feigned  thankfulness  for  the  many  and  great 
blessings  with  which  thou  hast  visited  us,  evea 
from  of  old,  and  beyond  other  nations,  giving 
unto  us  such  a  sense  of  tJieni,  as  shall  cause  us 
to  love  and  praise  thee  all  our  days,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord;  by  whom,  and  with 
whom,  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  all  honour 
and  glory  be  unto  thee,  O  Father  Almighty, 
world  without  end. 

Our  Father^  <!^'c.      The  grace,  Sfc. 


SATURDAY  EVENING. 

O  ETERNAL,  immortal,  invisible,  and  only  wis« 
God,  incline,  we  beseech  thee,  thine  ear  to  our 
calling;  and  let  the  voice  of  our  prayer  and 
thanksgiving  enter  into  thy  presence. 

Thou  hast  brought  us  to  the  conclusion  of  an- 
other week;  and  we  acknowledge  with  thankful- 
ness all  the  mercies  which  thou  hast  bestowed 
upon  us  from  the  beginning  of  our  lives  to  this 
moment. 

We  bless  thee  for  having  made  us,  at  the  first, 
capable  of  loving  and  serving  thee. 

We  praise  thee  for  the  preservation  of  out 
being  from  week  to  week,  exposed  as  we  are 
continually  to  various  diseases,  and  sundry  kinds 
of  deaths. 

We  thank  thee  for  food  and  raiment;  for 
health  and  strength ;  for  kind  friends  and  bene- 
factors; for  peace  and  protection  by  day,  and 
for  rest  and  safetv  by  night;  for  the  comforts 
16* 


173 


FOURTH  \rEEK. 


and  conveniences  of  life ;  and  for  all  our  other 
blessings. 

But,  above  all,  we  heartily  thank  thee,  O 
heavenly  Father,  for  having  called  us  to  a  state 
of  salvation  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour. 
And  we  pray  thee  to  give  us  thy  grace,  that  we 
may  continue  in  the  same  unto  our  lives'  end. 

We  bless  thee  for  the  many  advantages  which 
thou  affordest  us  in  this  favoured  land;  for  the 
Church  in  which  thou  hast  placed  us;  for  thy 
faithful  ministers ;  for  thy  holy  word ;  and  for  all 
the  means  of  grace  which  we  hope  to  enjoy  on 
thy  sacred  day,  which  is  at  hand. 

To-morrow  is  the  rest  of  thy  holy  Sabbath. 
And  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  enable  us  so  to 
order  all  our  worldly  affairs,  that  we  may  not  be 
interrupted  by  them  in  the  discharge  of  the  im- 
portant duties  before  us.  While  we  are  diligently 
employed  during  the  six  da3^s  in  which  thou  hast 
appointed  us  to  labour,  and  to  do  all  that  we 
have  to  do  of  a  worldly  nature,  may  we  always 
remember  that  the  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of 
the  Lord  our  God,  fearing  to  rob  thee  of  any 
portion  of  thy  holy  rest  on  earth,  lest  we  provoke 
thee  to  swear  in  thy  wrath,  that  we  shall  never 
enter  into  that  eternal  rest  which  remaineth  for 
thy  people  hereafter. 

We  beseech  thee,  also.  Almighty  God,  by 
whose  Spirit  the  whole  body  of  the  Church  is 
governed  and  sanctified,  to  receive  our  supplica- 
tions and  prayers  which  we  offer  before  thee  for 
all  estates  of  men  in  thy  holy  Church ;  that  every 
member  of  the  same,  in  his  vocation  and  minis- 
try, may  truly  and  godly  serve  thee,  in  the  duties 
of  the  approaching  Sabbath. 


SATURDAY  EVENING.  179 

Give  grace,  O  heavenly  Father,  to  all  the 
stewards  of  th}^  mystery,  [more  particularly  to 
thy  servant  who  ministereth  unto  us  in  holy 
things;]  that,  both  by  their  life  and  doctrine, 
they  may  set  forth  thy  true  and  lively  word,  and 
rightly  and  duly  administer  thy  holy  sacraments. 

And  to  all  thy  people  give  thy  heavenly  grace ; 
especially  unto  us  who  are  here  present,  and  to 
all  who  shall  assemble  with  us  in  thy  courts ;  that, 
with  meek  heart  and  due  reverence,  we  may  hear 
and  receive  thy  holy  word,  truly  serving  thee  in 
holiness  and  righteousness  before  thee  all  the 
days  of  our  life. 

Finally,  O  most  gracious  Lord  God,  we,  thy 
humble  servants,  entirely  desire  thy  fatherly 
goodness  mercifully  to  accept  this  our  evening 
sacrifice  of  prayer  and  thanksgiving;  most  hum- 
bly beseeching  thee  to  grant,  that  by  the  merits 
and  death  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  through 
faith  in  his  blood,  we,  and  all  thy  whole  Church, 
may  obtain  remission  of  our  sins,  and  all  other 
benefits  of  his  passion. 

And  here  we  present  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  our- 
selves, our  souls  and  bodies,  to  be  a  reasonable, 
holy,  and  living  sacrifice  unto  thee ;  humbly  be- 
seeching thee,  that  all  we  who  are  now  uniting 
in  supplications  and  praise,  may  be  filled  with 
thy  grace  and  heavenly  benediction. 

And  although  we  be  unworthy,  through  our 
manifold  sins,  to  offer  unto  thee  any  sacrifice, 
yet  we  beseech  thee  to  accept  this,  our  bounden 
duty  and  service,  not  weighing  our  merits,  but 
pardoning  our  offences,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord;  by  whom,  and  with  whom,  in  the  unity 
©f  the  Holy  Ghost,  all  honour  and  glory  be  unto 


180  FOUETH  WEEK. 

thee,  O  Father  Almighty,  world  without  end; 
and  in  whose  blessed  name  and  words  we  further 
pray  :— 

Our  Father^  Sfc,     The  grace,  Sfc. 


THB  BND  OF  THE  FOURTH  WBBK. 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 


FOR  PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS. 


Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed 
be  thy  name  ;  thy  kingdom  come  ;  thy  will 
be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven ;  give 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread  ;  and  forgive  us 
our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who 
trespass  against  us;  and  lead  us  not  into 
temptation ;  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  for 
thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and 
the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen, 

Grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  from  God  the 
Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
our  Saviour,  and  from  the  Holy  Ghost  the 
Comforter,  be  unto  us  this  day  [night]  and 
for  evermore.     Amen, 


FAMILY    PRAYKRS. 

FOR  PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS. 

FOR  CHRISTMAS-DAY. 

MORNING. 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  accept  our 
hearty  thanks  for  the  manifold  mercies  which  thou 
hast  poured  upon  us. 

We  bless  thee,  especially,  for  sending,  as  on 
this  day,  thy  well-beloved  Son,  to  take  our  nature 
upon  him,  and  to  be  made  in  the  likeness  of  sin- 
ful flesh. 

We  rejoice  that  unto  us  a  Child  is  born;  that 
unto  us  a  Son  is  given.  And  we  would  join  the 
multitude  of  the  heavenly  host,  in  ascribing  glory 
to  thee  in  the  highest ;  peace  on  earth ;  good  will 
toward'raen. 

We  praise  thee  for  revealing  to  us  the  way  in 
which  mercy  and  truth  have  met  together;  in 
which  righteousness  and  peace  have  kissed  each 
other.  And  we  account  it  a  faithful  saying,  and 
worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 

Help  us,  O  Lord,  to  employ  this  day  in  medi- 
tating on  this  great  mystery  of  godliness,  God 


1S4  CHRISTMAS-DAY. 

manifest  in  the  flesh,  which  thy  holy  angels  desire 
to  look  into. 

And  as,  when  thou  didst  bring  thy  fixst-begotten 
into  the  world,  thou  didst  coffimand  all  the  hea- 
venly host  to  worship  him,  so  may  we  also  give 
unto  him  the  glory  which  is  due  unto  his  name. 

O  thou  great  and  glorious  Redeemer,  who  art 
Wonderful,  Counsellor,  the  Mighty  God,  the 
Everlasting  Father,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  we 
praise  thee  ;  we  bless  thee;  we  worship  thee;  we 
glorify  thee  ;  we  give  thanks  to  thee  for  thy  great 
glory,  O  Lord  God,  Lamb  of  God,  the  only- 
begotten  Son  Jesus  Christ,  God  of  God,  Light  of 
Light,  very  God  of  very  God,  King  of  kings,  and 
Lord  of  lords,  Emmanuel,  God  with  us.  For 
thou  only  art  holy ;  thou  only  art  the  Lord ;  thou 
only,  O  Christ,  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  art  most 
high  in  the  glory  of  God  the  Father. 

But  chiefly,  at  this  time,  we  adore  thee  for 
leaving  the  glory  which  thou  hadst  with  the  Father 
before  the  world  began.  We  know  thy  grace,  O 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  though  thou  wast  rich, 
yet  for  our  sakes  thou  didst  become  poor,  that 
we,  through  thy  poverty,  might  be  made  rich.  We 
beseech  thee,  by  the  mystery  of  thy  holy  incar- 
nation and  nativity,  good  Lord,  deliver  us.  O 
Son  of  David,  have  mercy  upon  us.  Thou,  who 
didst  come  that  we  might  have  life,  and  might 
have  it  more  abundantly,  be  gracious  unto  us. 

Thou,  who  wast  called  Jesus,  that  thou  mightest 
save  thy  people  from  their  sins,  save  us,  and  help 
us,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  O  Lord. 

And  give  unto  us  grace,  Almighty  God,  that 
we  may  cast  away  the  works  of  darkness,  and 
put  upon  us  the  armour  of  light,  now  in  the  time 


MORNING.  l8o 

of  this  mortal  life,  in  which  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
came  to  visit  us  in  great  liumility. 

As  he  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto,  but  to 
minister,  and  hatli  left  us  an  example  to  do  unto 
others  as  he  hath  done  unto  us,  so  may  we  learn 
to  take  his  yoke  upon  us,  and  to  learn  of  him, 
who  was  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  that  we  may 
find  rest  unto  our  souls.  Grant,  that  we,  being 
regenerate  and  made  thy  children  by  adoption 
and  grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  and  follow  the  blessed  steps  of  his  most 
holy  life;  ever  remembering  that  he  gave  himself 
for  us,  to  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  to 
purify  us  unto  himself  a  peculiar  people,  zealous 
of  good  works. 

Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  thy  special  blessing  to  us 
this  day.  May  we  pour  out  our  hearts  before 
thee,  with  joy  and  praise,  in  the  congregation  of 
thy  people. 

[And  when  we  meet  around  thy  altar,  may  we 
receive  the  pledges  of  thy  love  with  gladness  and 
singleness  of  heart.]  And  may  we,  on  every, 
return  of  this  season,  so  profit  by  the  holy  insti- 
tutions of  the  Church  in  which  thy  good  provi- 
dence hath  placed  us,  that  when  Christ,  who  is 
our  life,  shall  appear  a  second  time,  we  also  may 
appear  with  him  in  glory. 

Hgar  us,  further,  we  beseech  thee,  most 
gracious  Father,  and  grant  that  the  glad  tidings 
which  we  commemorate  this  day,  may  be  made 
known  unto  all  people. 

Let  the  seed  of  the  woman  bruise  the  serpent's 
head. 

May  the  root  which  hath  sprung  out  of  Jesse, 
send  forth  branches  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the 
17 


186  CIIRISTMAS-DAY. 

left;  and  may  the  natural  branches  which  have 
been  so  long  broken  off,  even  thy  people  Israel, 
be  again  graffed  on  their  own  olive  tree :  for  thou 
art  able  to  graff  them  in  again. 

Have  compassion,  also,  on  those  who  have 
never  heard  of  the  coming  of  our  blessed  Lord  in 
the  flesh.  In  him  who  hath  arisen  to  rule  over 
the  Gentiles,  let  the  Gentiles  trust,  and  find  his 
rest  to  be  glorious. 

Mercifully  with  thy  favour  look  upon  the  whole 
Christian  world.  May  all  that  name  the  name 
of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity.  Especially  pre- 
serve them  from  turning  this  sacred  season  into 
an  occasion  of  revellings  and  unholy  mirtli.  Let 
them  rejoice,  as  Christians,  in  Christ  their  Sa- 
viour; and  let  thy  grace  teach  them  to  deny  all 
ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to  live  soberly, 
righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  present  world. 

And,  as  at  thy  first  coming,  O  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  thou  didst  send  thy  messenger  to  prepare 
thy  way  before  thee,  we  beseech  thee,  finally, 
to  grant,  that  the  ministers  and  stewards  of  thy 
mysteries,  [particularly  such  as  shall  proclaim 
them  this  day,]  may  likewise  so  prepare  and 
make  ready  thy  way,  by  turning  the  hearts  of  the 
disobedient  to  the  wisdom  of  the  just;  that,  at 
thy  second  coming  to  judge  the  world,  we  may 
be  found  an  acceptable  people  in  thy  sight,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  in  whose  name  we  further 
pray:— 

Our  Father^  S^c,     Grace,  mercy,  and  peace y 


FOR  CIiraSTMAS-DAY. 
EVENING. 

O  HOLY  and  merciful  God,  who  art  of  purer  eyes 
than  to  behold  iniquity,  and  yet  long-suflering 
towards  sinners,  we  .approach  thy  throne,  ac- 
knowledging our  unworthiness,  and  putting  our 
whole  trust  and  confidence  in  the  [nomises  which 
thou  hast  made  unto  us  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

We  have  greatly  provoked  thee  to  anger  by 
our  manifold  offences;  and,  were  not  judgment 
thy  strange  work,  we  should  long  since  have 
received  at  thy  hands  the  just  reward  of  our  evil 
doings. 

But  thou  declarest  thy  almighty  power  most 
chiefly  in  showing  mercy  and  pity.  Tliou  hast 
not  stretched  forth  the  right  hand  of  thy  majesty 
to  avenge  thee  of  thine  enemies ;  but  with  thy 
own  arm  thou  hast  wrought  out  redemption  fo"r 
us.  Thou  hast  not  sent  thy  Son  into  the  world 
to  condemn  the  world,  but  that  the  world  through 
liim  might  be  saved. 

We  bless  thee  for  revealing  to  us  this  great 
mystory,  which  was  hid  from  ages  and  generations, 
but  is  now  made  manifest  unto  the  sons  of  men! 
We  rejoice  that  unto  us  was  born,  as  on  this  day] 
a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord.  Our  souls 
do  magnify  the  Lord,  and  our  spirits  do  rejoice 
in  God  our  Saviour.  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of 
David !  Blessed  be  he  that  cometh  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord!     Hosanna  in  the  highest! 

Blessed  be  thou,  tlie  God  of  Israel,  for  visiting 
and  redeeming  thy  people,  and  raising  up  a  horn 


188 


CHRISTMAS-DAY. 


of  salvation  for  them ;  for  performing  the  promise 
made  unto  their  fathers,  and  for  remembering  thy 
ho}y  covenant. 

Praised  be  thy  name,  for  sending  forth,  in  the 
fulness  of  time,  thy  only-begotten  {Son,  made  of 
a  woman,  made  under  the  law,  that  we  might 
receive  the  adoption  of  sons. 

Glory  be  unto  thee,  for  causing  thy  loving- 
kindness  towards  us  to  appear.  Not  by  works  of 
righteousness  which  we  have  done,  but  according 
to  thy  mercy,  thou  hast  saved  us. 

O  thou,  who  wast  in  Christ  reconciling  the 
world  unto  thyself,  not  imputing  their  trespasses 
unto  them,  forgive  us  all  our  trespasses.  Through 
him,  who  was  made  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh, 
and  came  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  was 
lost,  have  mercy  upon  us.  By  the  mystery  of 
his  holy  incarnation  and  nativity,  good  Lord,  de- 
liver us. 

And,  since  thy  blessed  Son  was  manifested  that 
he  might  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil,  to  make 
us  the  children  of  God  and  heirs  of  eternal  life, 
grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  having  this  hope,  we 
may  purify  ourselves,  even  as  he  is  pure ;  and 
that,  when  he  shall  come  again,  in  power  and 
great  glory,  we  may  be  made  like  unto  him,  in 
his  eternal  and  glorious  kingdom. 

But  who  may  abide  the  day  of  his  coming? 
And  who  may  stand  when  he  appeareth?  O  thou 
compassionate  and  faithful  High  Priest,  ])artaker 
of  our  flesh  and  blood,  who  wast  in  all  points 
tempted  like  as  we  arc,  yet  without  sin,  and  art 
not  ashamed  to  call  us  brethren,  have  pity  upon 
our  infirmities;  and  grant  unto  us,  that  we,  being 
delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  may 


EVENING.  189 

serve  thee,  without  fear,  in  holiness  and  righte-. 
ousness  befoi'e  thee,  all  the  clays  of  our  life. 

Fill  our  hearts  with  love  to  thee  for  the  un- 
speakable gift  which  thou  didst  vouchsafe,  as  at 
this  time,  to  bestow  upon  a  sinful  world ;  and  dis- 
pose us  always  most  thankfully  to  receive  the 
same. 

Let  the  same  mind,  also,  be  in  us,  which  was 
in  Christ  Jesus;  who  being  in  the  farm  of  God, 
and  thinking  it  not  robbery  to  be  ecjual  with  God, 
yet  made  himself  of  no  reputation,  and  took  upon 
him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  v.as  found  in 
fashion  as  a  man,  a  man  of  sorrows  and  acquainted 
with  grief. 

Help  us  continually  to  follow  the  example  of 
his  great  humility.  In  lowliness  of  mind  may  we 
esteem  others  better  than  ourselves.  And  give 
us  grace  so  to  walk  in  all  holiness  of  living,  that 
we  may  not  be  ashamed  before  him  at  his  coming. 

We  pray  likewise,  O  heavenly  Father,  that, 
through  thy  tender  mercies,  the  Day-Springfrom 
on  high,  which  hath  visited  us,  may  arise,  and 
shine  upon  the  nations  that  are  sitting  in  darkness 
and  in  the  sliadow  of  death,  to  guide  their  feet 
into  the  way  of  peace. 

Grant  that  it  may  both  be  a  light  to  lighten  the 
Gentiles,  and  be  the  glory  of  thy  people  Israel. 

And  may  none  of  those  who  behold  it,  love 
darkness  rather  than  light,  because  their  deeds 
are  evil. 

Raise  up  faithful  and  able  ministers  of  the 
New  Testament,  to  go  before  the  face  of  the  Lord, 
io  prepare  his  ways,  to  give  knowledge  of  salva- 
tion to  his  people,  by  the  remission  of  their  sins. 

Four  down  thy  grace  and  heavenly  benediction 
17* 


190       FOR  THE  CLOSE  OF  A  YEAR 

upon  all  who  are  called  Christians;  especially 
upon  such  as  have  assembled  with  us  in  thy  house 
of  prayer;  [and  around  thy  holy  table.]  May 
the  children  of  Zion  be  joyful  in  their  King! 
And  may  they  so  truly  follow  the  blessed  steps  of 
their  Lord  and  Master,  that  they  may  be  saved 
by  him  in  the  great  day  of  his  appearing  and 
glory.  Grant  this  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  our 
only  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.     Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 
Sec. 


FOR  THE  CLOSE  OF  A  YEAR, 
EVENING. 

Almighty  and  eternal  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 
with  whom  is  no  variableness,  neither  shadow  of 
turning,  who  art  the  same  yesterday,  and  to-day, 
and  for  ever,  and  whose  years  fail  not  throughout 
all  generations;  from  everlasting  to  everlasting 
thou  art  God. 

We  acknowledge  thee  as  the  Author  and 
Preserver  of  our  being,  the  Lord  of  our  life,  by 
whom  alone  we  escape  death. 

Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  our  humble  sacrifice 
of  praise  and  thanksgiving  for  thy  goodness  and 
mercy  which  have  followed  us  all  our  days.  We 
especially  bless  thee  for  delivering  us  from  the 
perils  and  dangers  of  the  year  that  is  now  draw- 
ing to  a  close ;  from  which  no  strength  of  our 
own  could  have  saved  us.  It  is  only  by  having 
obtained  help  of  thee  that  we  continue  to  the 
evening  of  this  day. 


EVENING.  191 

Not  for  our  righteousness,  O  Lord,  not  for  our 
righteousness,  but  for  thy  mercy's  sake  it  is  that 
we  have  not  been  consumed,  Ijecause  thy  com- 
passions fail  not. 

Our  sins  are  all  naked  and  open  unto  thee, 
from  our  youth  up  even  until  now;  and  none  can 
tell  but  thou,  O  God,  who  knowest  all  things,  how 
many  and  great  they  are. 

We  humble  ourselves  before  thee,  confessing 
and  bewailing  all  that  we  have  done  amiss.  Enter 
not  into  judgment  with  us,  but  spare  us,  accord- 
ing to  thy  great  goodness.  According  to  the 
multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies,  blot  out  our 
offences.  Pardon  and  accept  us  for  the  sake  of 
thy  only-begotten  Son,  whom  thou  didst  send  into 
the  world,  as  at  this  time,  to  take  our  nature  upon 
him,  that  he  might  redeem  us  unto  thee  by  his 
blood.  Bless  us  in  turning  us  away,  every  one  of 
us,  from  our  iniquities.  Wash  us  thoroughly  from 
our  wickedness;  and  cleanse  us  from  our  sns; 
and  let  them  all  be  buried  with  the  closing  year, 
to  rise  up  against  us  no  more  for  ever. 

And  keep  us  mindful,  good  Lord,  as  the  years 
of  our  life  pass  away,  that  the  end  of  all  things  is 
at  hand ;  and  make  us  sober  and  watchful  unto 
prayer. 

May  we  never  forget  that  we  are  strangers  and 
pilgrims  upon  earth,  as  all  our  fathers  were;  that 
we  have  no  continuing  city  here,  and  ought  dili- 
gently to  seek  one  to  come. 

Our  years  pass  away  like  a  shadow,  or  a 
vapour,  which  appeareth  for  a  little  time,  and 
then  vanisheth  away.  Lord,  teach  us  so  to  num- 
ber them,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto 
wisdom.     Make  us  to  know  our  end,  and  the 


192  FOR  THE  CLOSE  OF  A  YEAR. 

measure  of  our  days,  that  we  may  consider  how 
frail  we  are,  and  may  learn  to  redeem  the  time 
that  remaineth. 

May  we  remember  also,  that  life  is  uncertain, 
as  well  as  short;  and  that  in  the  midst  thereof  we 
are  continually  in  death. 

Give  us  grace  to  watch  and  pray,  since  we 
know  neither  the  day,  nor  the  hour,  when  the  Son 
of  man  cometh.  May  we  be  always  ready,  with 
our  loins  girt  about  and  our  lights  burning;  that, 
Tvhenever  he  may  say,  Behold,  I  come  quickly, 
v/e  may  be  able  to  reply,  Even  so,  come,  Lord 
Jesus. 

Above  all,  we  beseech  thee  to  preserve  in  us  a 
lively  remembrance,  that  it  is  appointed  unto  us 
once  to  die,  but  after  death  the  judgment;  and 
that  we  shall,  every  one,  receive  the  things  done 
in  the  body,  according  to  that  we  have  done, 
whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be  evil. 

May  we  so  regard  thy  promises  and  threaten- 
in  gs,  that  when  we  die,  we  may  die  the  death  of 
the  righteous,  and  our  latter  end  maybe  like  his. 
Help  us  to  fight  the  good  fight,  to  finish  our  course, 
and  to  keep  the  faith,  that  there  may  be  laid  up 
for  us  a  crown  of  righteousness,  which  thou,  the 
righteous  and  merciful  Judge,  wilt  give  unto  us  in 
that  day. 

Hear  us,  O  Lord,  we  further  beseech  thee, 
while  we  make  our  hearty  intercessions  for  all 
who  are  partakers  of  the  same  frail  nature  with 
ourselves. 

Look  in  mercy  upon  those  who  are  in  the 
morning  of  their  years.  May  they  remember 
their  Creator  in  the  days  of  their  youth,  before 
the  evil  days  come,  and  the  years  draw  nigh,  of 


MORNING.  193 

whicli  they  shall  say,  tliere  is  no  pleasure  in  tliem. 
May  they  so  bear  in  mind  the  vow  and  covenant 
whicii  has  been  made  in  their  name,  that  when 
they  come  to  age,  themselves  may  perform  the 
same.  As  thou  hast  promised  that  they  who  seek 
thee  early  shall  find  thee,  do  thou  graciously  dis- 
pose them  to  seek  thee  earnestly  with  all  their 
hearts;  that  so  they  may  become  thy  sons  and 
daughters,  growing  in  wisdom  as  they  grow  in 
years,  and  in  favour  with  thee  and  man. 

Mercifully  regard,  also,  such  as  are  in  the 
strength  and  vigour  of  life ;  and  dispose  them  to 
give  unto  thee  the  best  of  their  days,  and  not  to 
weary  themselves  for  very  vanity. 

Lastly,  we  pray  thee  to  remember  those  whose 
strength  is  now  but  labour  and  sorrow.  Enable 
them  to  bring  forth  fruit  in  their  old  age,  accord- 
ing to  the  ability  which  yet  remaineth.  May 
they  come  to  their  graves,  like  as  a  shock  of  corn 
cometh  in  his  season.  When  their  flesh  and  their 
heart  fail  them,  be  thou  the  strength  of  their 
hearts,  and  their  portion  for  ever. 

Fulfil,  O  Lord,  these  our  petitions,  for  the  sake 
of  our  only  Mediator^and  Advocate,  Jesus  Christ. 

Our  Father,  S^c.  Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 
Sfc. 


FOR  A  NEW  YEAR. 
MORNING. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  livest  and 
abidest  for  ever,  with  whom   one  day  is  as  a 


194  rOU  A  NEW  YEAR. 

thousand  years,  and  a  thousand  years  as  one  day» 
who  wast,  and  vvlio  art,  and  who  art  to  come. 
Thou  hast  made  our  days,  as  it  were,  a  span  long. 
Our  age  is  as  nothing  in  respect  of  thee;  and 
verily  every  man  living  is  altogether  vanity. 

Sin  hath  entered  into  the  world,  and  death 
by  sin;  and  so  death  hath  passed  upon  all  men, 
for  that  all  have  sinned.  We  therefore  consume 
away  in  thy  displeasure,  and  are  afraid  at  thy 
wrathful  indignation.  Thou  hast  set  our  misdeeds 
before  thee,  and  our  secret  sins  in  the  light  of  thy 
countenance.  When  thou  art  angry,  all  our 
days  are  gone;  we  bring  our  years  to  an  end,  as 
it  were  a  tale  that  is  told. 

But  though  we  are  thus  doomed  to  suffer  thy 
righteous  sentence,  yet  we  bless  thee,  O  Lord,  for 
not  executing  upon  us  the  fierceness  of  thy  anger. 

We  bless  thee,  that  though  in  Adam  all  die, 
even  so  in  Christ  shall  all43e  made  alive. 

We  praise  thee  for  the  gift  of  him  who  was 
manifest  in  the  flesh,  that  he  might  destroy  death; 
and  hath  brought  life  and  immortahty  to  light  by 
the  Gospel;  in  whom  whosoever  believeth  shall 
live,  though  he  die;  and  whosoever  liveth  and 
believeth  in  him  shall  not  die  eternally. 

We  give  thee  thanks,  also,  O  heavenly  Father, 
for  sparing  us  from  year  to  year;  and  for  giving 
us  further  space  for  trial  and  amendment.  And 
we  beseech  thee  still  to  spare  us,  O  Lord  most 
holy,  O  God  most  mighty;  and,  at  last,  to  deliver 
us  from  the  bitter  pains  of  eternal  death. 

Mercifully  grant,  that  thy  great  goodness  may 
lead  us  to  repentance.  With  this  new  year  help 
us  to  begin  a  new  life.  Quicken  us  in  the  way  of 
righteousness,  that  we  may  set  out  afresh  in  our 


MORNlNt;.  195 

Christian  course;  and  may  cleave  unto  thee  with 
fuller  purpose  of  heart.  Other  lords,  beside  thee, 
have  had  dominion  over  us;  but  hereafter  by 
thee  only  may  we  make  mention  of  thy  name ; 
presenting  ourselves  a  living  sacrifice,  holy,  ac- 
ceptable unto  thee,  which  is  our  reasonable 
service. 

And,  as  on  this  day,  thou  didst  make  thy  blessed 
Son  to  be  circumcised,  and  obedient  to  the  law, 
for  man,  we  beseech  thee  to  grant  unto  us  the 
true  circumcision  of  the  spirit;  that  our  hearts 
and  all  our  members  being  mortified  from  all 
worldly  and  carnal  lusts,  we  may,  in  all  things, 
obey  thy  blessed  will. 

By  his  holy  nativity  and  circumcision,  good 
Lord,  deliver  us. 

Give  us  grace  to  withstand  the  temptations  of 
the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil ;  and  with 
pure  hearts  and  minds  to  follow  thee,  the  only 
God. 

O  thou,  who  alone  canst  order  the  unruly  wills 
and  affections  of  sinful  men,  grant  unto  us,  that 
we  may  love  the  thing  which  thou  commandest, 
and  desire  that  which  thou  dost  promise ;  that  so, 
among  the  sundry  and  manifold  changes  of  the 
world,  our  hearts  may  surely  there  be  fixed, 
where  true  joys  are  to  be  found. 

Our  days  are  as  a  hand-breadth:  they  pass 
away  as  a  dream  when  one  awaketh :  and  we  all 
do  fade  as  a  leaf.  Our  years  are  determined  with 
thee,  and  the  number  of  our  days;  and  thou  hast 
appointed  our  bounds  that  we  cannot  pass. 

Let  us  never  forget,  O  Lord,  the  solemn  and 
affecting  truth,  that  this  year  we  may  die. 

May  we  not  boast  ourselves  even  of  to-morrow ; 


19G  FOR  A  NEW  YEAR. 

for  we  know  not  what  a  clay  may  bring  forth ; 
and  there  may  be  but  a  step  between  us  and  death. 
Enable  us  to  work  while  it  is  called  to-day,  be- 
fore the  night  cometh,  when  no  man  can  work. 
Whatever  good  our  hand  findedi  to  do,  may  we 
do  it  with  all  our  might;  for  there  is  no  work, 
nor  device,  nor  knowledge,  nor  wisdom,  in  the 
grave,  whither  we  are  going. 

Pour  down,  O  Lord,  thy  choicest  blessings  on 
our  fellow-creatures,  according  to  their  various 
wants. 

Be  merciful  unto  those  who  have  lived  all  the 
years  of  their  life  in  carelessness  and  sin.  Give 
them  grace  to  think  on  their  ways,  and  to  turn 
their  feet  unto  thy  testimonies,  before  the  things 
that  belong  unto  their  peace  are  for  ever  hidden 
from  their  eyes. 

Turn  the  hearts  of  such  as  have  set  their  affec- 
tions on  this  world,  and  are  minding  only  earthly 
things.  Awaken  them  to  a  sense  of  their  danger, 
by  the  remembrance,  that  time  is  short;  and  that, 
before  another  night,  their  souls  may  be  required 
of  them.  And  teach  them  henceforth  to  use  the 
world  without  abusing  it;  seeing  that  the  fashion 
of  it  passeth  away. 

Touch  the  minds  of  all  who  are  putting  off  their 
repentance  from  year  to  year,  with  the  awful 
thought,  that  hereafter  they  may  find  no  place 
for  repentance,  though  they  seek  it  carefully,  and 
with  tears.  Cause  them  to  see  that  now  is  the 
accepted  time;  now  is  the  day  of  salvation. 

Look  in  pity  upon  those  who,  having  once 
escaped  the  pollutions  of  the  world,  are  again  en- 
tangled therein,  and  overcome ;  and  are  now  led 
captive  by  Satan  at  his  will.     Burst  their  chains 


MORNING.  107 

of  bondage;  and  bring  them  into  the  perfect 
libert}?  of  thy  children.  Restore  them  to  the  way 
of  righteousness,  lest  it  be  better  for  them  that 
they  had  never  known  it. 

Be  gracious  unto  all  who  have  chosen  that 
good  part,  which  none  can  take  from  them.  Up- 
hold their  goings  in  thy  way ;  and  keep  them  in 
the  path  in  which  they  should  go.  May  they  go 
on  from  strength  to  strength,  till  every  one  of 
them  appear  before  thee  in  Zion. 

Finally,  we  beseech  thee  to  look  with  special 
favour  upon  those,  the  days  of  whose  pilgrimage 
are  drawing  to  a  close,  and  the  time  of  whose 
departure  is  at  hand.  Even  in  their  old  age  be 
thou  with  them;  and  in  their  hoary  hairs  do  thou 
support  them.  And,  when  thou  hast  guided  them 
here  by  thy  counsel,  receive  them  hereafter  to 
the  kingdom  of  thy  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.     Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 

FOR  GOOD  FRIDAY. 
MORNING. 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and 
earth  is  named,  look  down  upon  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  from  the  habitation  of  thy  glory ;  and  mer- 
cifully hear  us,  while  we  call  upon  thee. 

We  bless  thee  for  life,  and  health,  and  all 
things,  which  thou  givest  us  richly  to  enjoy. 

Thou  hast  kept  us  safe,  under  thy  shield  and 
18 


198  FOR  GOOD  FRIDAY. 

buckler,  from  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  <3ark- 
ness,  and  from  all  the  perils  of  the  night-season. 

We  praise  thee  for  bringing  us  in  safety  to  the 
beginning  of  this  day,  so  worthy  to  be  had  ia 
remembrance  by  us,  miserable  sinners. 

Pour  down  upon  us  the  dew  of  thy  blessing, 
that  we  may  keep  it  holy  unto  thee,  and  may 
devoutly  meditate  on  the  wonders  of  redeeming 
grace. 

We  bless  thee,  O  heavenly  Father,  for  com- 
mending thy  love  towards  us,  in  that,  while  we 
were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us,  to  reconcile 
us  unto  thee.  Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved 
thee,  but  tliat  thou  hast  loved  us,  and  sent  thy 
Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins. 

We  praise  thee,  that  by  the  one  oblation  of 
himself,  as  on  this  day  once  offered,  he  hath 
perfected  for  ever  them  that  are  sanctified,  by 
finishing  transgression,  making  an  end  of  sin, 
making  reconcihation  for  iniquity,  and  bringing 
in  everlasting  righteousness. 

Help  us  to  draw  near  to  the  cross  of  Jesus; 
and,  turning  our  eyes  from  vanity,  may  we  be- 
hold the  Lord  of  glory  bearing  our  sins  in  his 
own  body  on  the  tree. 

We  look  unto  thee,  O  thou  suffering  Redeemer, 
who  hast  tasted  death  for  our  souls.  We  adore 
thee  for  thy  wonderful  love  in  humbling  thyself 
to  become  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  deatli 
of  the  cross. 

Worthy  art  thou,  who  wast  slain,  to  receive 
power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength, 
and  honour,  and  glor}',  and  blessing ! 

We  pray  thee,  help  thy  servants,  whom  thou 
hast  redeemed  with  thy  most  precious  blood. 


MORNING.  199 

We  bosoech  thee,  by  thine  agony  and  bloody 
sweat,  by  thy  cross  and  passion,  by  thy  precious 
death  and  burial,  good  Lord,  deliver  us.  O 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  O  Lord  God,  Lamb  of  God, 
Son  of  the  Father,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of 
the  world,  have  mercy  upon  us.  Thou  that  takest 
away  the  sins  of  the  world,  have  mercy  upon  us. 
Thou  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world, 
receive  our  prayer. 

And,  forasmuch  as  it  hath  pleased  thee,  Al- 
mighty God,  of  thy  tender  love  towards  mankind, 
to  send  thy  Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to 
take  upon  him  our  flesh,  and  to  suffer  death  upon 
the  cross,  that  all  mankind  should  follow  the  ex- 
ample of  his  great  humility,  mercifully  grant, 
that  we  may  both  follow  the  example  of  his  pa- 
tience, and  also  may  be  made  partakers  of  his 
resMrrection. 

In  all  our  afflictions  may  we  consider  him, 
y/ho  was  oppressed  and  afflicted,  yet  opened  not 
his  mouth ;  who  was  led  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaugh- 
ter, and,  as  a  sheep  before  her  shearers  is  dumb, 
opened  not  his  mouth;  who,  when  he  was  reviled, 
reviled  not  again;  when  he  suffered,  threatened 
not,  but  committed  himself  unto  him  who  judgeth 
righteously.  In  all  our  troubles  and  adversities, 
not  our  will,  O  Lord,  but  thine,  be  done. 

Teach  us  to  love  one  another,  as  he  hath  loved 
us;  to  bear  each  other's  burdens;  and  so  to  fulfil 
the  law  of  Christ;  who  came  not  to  be  minis- 
tered unto,  but  to  minister,  and  gave  his  life  a 
ransom  for  many. 

Help  us,  likewise,  to  love  our  enemies,  and 
from  our  heart  to  forgive  every  one  his  trespasses 
against  us. 


200 


FOR  GOOD  FRIDAY. 


And  grant  that  we  may  always  remember  that 
Christ  died  for  all ;  that  they  which  live,  should 
not  henceforth  live  unto  themselves,  but  unto  him 
who  died  for  them. 

Furthermore,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  to 
have  compassion  on  a  world  for  which  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  was  contented  to  be  betrayed  and 
given  up  into  the  hands  of  wicked  men,  and  to 
suffer  death  upon  the  cross. 

Let  the  fountain  which,  as  on  this  day,  was 
opened  for  sin,  and  for  uncleanness,  send  forth 
its  healing  streams  into  all  lands. 

We  pray,  especially,  for  those  whose  fore- 
fathers shed  this  innocent  blood.  Let  it  no  longer 
he  upon  them  and  upon  their  children.  But  take 
from  them  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief.  Give  them 
eyes  to  see,  and  ears  to  hear,  and  hearts  to  un- 
derstand, that  they  may  be  converted;  and  that 
thou  mayest  heal  them.  Pour  down  upon  them 
the  spirit  of  grace  and  supplication,  that  they  may 
look  upon  him  whom  they  have  pierced,  and  may 
mourn,  and  be  in  bitterness,  as  one  that  is  in 
bitterness  for  his  first-born,  and  as  one  that  has 
lost  his  only  son.  May  they  no  more  become  a 
proverb  and  a  by-word  among  the  nations ;  but 
Israelites  indeed,  in  whom  there  is  no  guile. 

Have  mercy  on  all  others  who  are  enemies  to 
the  cross  of  Christ;  to  whom  he  is  a  stone  of 
stumbling  and  a  rock  of  offence;  and  deliver 
them  from  the  dreadful  guilt  of  neglecting  his 
great  salvation. 

Bless  those  who  are  appointed  to  preach  thy 
glorious  Gospel:  and  let  them  know  nothing 
among  men,  but  Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified. 

jMake  thy  chosen  people  joyful:   and  enable 


EVENING.  201 

them  not  to  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  By  it  may  the  world  be  crucified 
unto  them,  and  they  unto  the  world. 

Lastly,  may  it  please  thee,  that  all  the  ends  of 
the  earth  may  look  unto  Christ,  and  be  saved. 

Grant  this  for  the  sake  of  the  same,  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Mediator  and  Advocate. 

Our  Father^  Sfc.  Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 
Sfc, 


FOR  GOOD  FRIDAY. 

EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who,  of 
thy  tender  mercy,  didst  give  thy  Son,  our  Sa- 
viour Jesus  Christ,  to  suiter  death  upon  the  cross 
for  our  redemption;  who  made  there,  by  the  one 
oblation  of  himself,  as  at  this  time  offered,  a  full, 
perfect,  and  sufficient  sacrifice,  oblation,  and  sa- 
tisfaction, for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world;  hear 
us,  O  merciful  Father,  we  most  humbly  beseecli 
thee:  and  grant  that  we,  having  kept  this  day, 
in  remembrance  of  his  death  and  passion,  may, 
through  faith  in  his  blood,  obtain  the  remission 
of  our  sins,  and  all  other  benefits  of  the  same. 

We  acknowledge  and  bewail  our  manifold  and 
great  oftences,  for  which  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
humbled  himself,  as  at  this  time,  unto  death, 
even  the  death  of  the  cross ;  and  for  which  thou 
thyself  wast  pleased  to  bruise  him,  and  put  him 
to  grief. 

Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried 
our  sorrows;  and  no  sorrow  was  like  unto  his 
18* 


202  FOR  GOOD  FRIDAY. 

sorrow,  wherewith  thou  didst  aflllct  him,  in  the 
day  of  thy  fierce  anger.  He  was  wounded  for 
our  transgressions,  and  bruised  for  our  iniquities: 
the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him ; 
and  by  his  stripes  we  are  healed.  All  we,  like 
sheep,  have  gone  astray;  we  have  turned  every 
one  to  his  own  way;  and  thou  hast  laid  upon 
him  the  iniquity  of  us  all. 

What  manner  of  love  is  this,  wherewith  thou 
hast  loved  us,  to  withhold  not  thy  Son,  thy  only 
Son,  from  us ! 

What  thanks  and  praise,  also,  are  due  unto 
thee,  O  blessed  Jesus,  that,  for  our  sakes,  thou 
shouldest  submit  to  the  baptism  wherewith  thou 
wast  baptized,  even  thy  agony  and  bloody  sweat, 
thy  cross  and  passion ;  and  shouldest  be  so  strait- 
ened until  it  was  accomplished  !  O  the  height, 
and  depth,  and  length,  and  breadth,  of  thy  love 
towards  us,  which  passeth  knowledge,  and  all 
understanding.  Blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory, 
and  power,  be  unto  thee,  O  Lamb  of  God,  for 
ever  and  ever.  For  thou  wast  slain ;  and  hast 
redeemed  us  unto  God  by  thy  blood. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  most  merciful  Father, 
that  we  may  always  remember  the  exceeding 
great  love  of  our  Master  and  only  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  thus  dying  for  us,  and  the  innumerable 
benefits  whicli,  by  his  precious  blood-shedding, 
he  hath  obtained  to  us. 

May  we  know  him,  and  the  fellowship  of  his 
sufferings,  being  made  conformable  to  his  death. 
May  we  believe  on  his  name,  that  our  faith  may 
be  counted  for  righteousness;  and  that  so  we 
may  not  perish,  but  may  have  everlasting  life. 

May  we  be  taught  also,  by  the  sufferings  which 


EVENING.  203 

our  blessed  Saviour  endured,  tlie  exceeding  sin- 
fulness of  sin.  And  may  his  love  be  so  abun- 
dantly shed  abroad  in  our  hearts,  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  as  to  constrain  us  to  live  tlie  life  which  we 
live  in  the  flesh,  by  faith  in  him,  thy  beloved 
Son ;  not  unto  ourselves,  but  unto  him  who  loved 
us,  and  gave  himself  for  us.  Forasmuch  as  we 
are  not  our  own,  but  are  bought  with  a  price, 
help  us  to  glorify  thee  in  our  body,  and  in  our 
spirits,  which  are  thine.  And  humbly  we  be- 
seech thee  to  grant,  that  we,  being  dead  unto  sin 
and  living  unto  righteousness,  and  being  buried 
with  Christ  in  his  death,  may  crucify  the  old 
man,  and  utterly  abolish  the  whole  body  of  sin; 
and  that,  being  made  partakers  of  the  death  of 
thy  Son,  we  may  also  be  partakers  of  his  resur- 
rection; so  that,  finally,  with  the  residue  of  thy 
holy  Church,  we  may  be  inheritors  of  thy  ever- 
lasting kingdom. 

Hear,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  the  voice  of 
our  intercession  in  behalf  of  others. 

As  thy  blessed  Son  was  lifted  up  on  the  cross, 
to  drav/  all  men  unto  him,  grant  that  all  may  be 
made  partakers  of  the  benefits  of  his  passion. 

We  again,  this  evening,  especially  entreat  thee 
in  behalf  of  thy  ancient  people  Israel.  Return, 
O  Lord,  and  have  compassion  on  them.  Let 
them  not  continue,  as  their  forefathers,  a  faith- 
less and  stubborn  generation,  that  set  not  their 
hearts  aright,  and  whose  spirit  cleaveth  not  stead- 
iastly  unto  thee.  But  bring  them,  even  now  at 
die  last,  to  confess,  that  he,  whom  their  fore- 
fathers took,  and  by  wicked  hands  crucified  and 
slew,  is  both  Lord  and  Christ.  Cast  not  oil'  thy 
people  whom  thou  didst  foreknow.  Comfort  them 


204 


FOll  GOOD  FRIDAY. 


again  for  the  time  wherein  tliou  hast  plagued 
them,  and  for  the  years  wherein  they  have  su  - 
fered  adversity:  and  fulfil  thy  promise  toward 
them,  that  all  Israel  shall  be  saved. 

Hear  us,  also,  in  behalf  of  those  who  call 
themselves  Christians;  but  to  whom  Christ  is 
without  form  and  comeliness;  and  who  see  no 
beauty  in  him  that  they  should  desire  him.  Grant 
that  he  may  become  all  their  salvation,  and  all 
their  desire. 

Convert  from  the  error  of  their  ways  such  as 
profess  to  know  Christ,  but  in  v.orks  deny  him, 
and  let  them  cease  to  turn  his  grace  into  licen- 
tiousness. 

Look  with  pity  upon  those  who  are  trembling 
for  their  offences,  and  are  wearied  and  heavy 
laden  with  the  burden  of  their  sins.  May  they 
come  unto  Christ  and  find  rest  to  their  souls. 

Bless  thy  faithful  people;  and  let  them  not  be 
ashamed  of  their  Lord  and  Saviour.  And  if  they 
are  called  upon  to  suffer  for  righteousness'  sake, 
endue  them  with  the  meekness  and  gentleness  of 
Christ.  Grant,  O  Lord,  that  in  all  their  suffer- 
ings here  upon  earth  for  the  testimony  of  thy 
truth,  they  may  steadfastly  look  up  to  heavcj;, 
and  by  faith  behold  the  glory  that  shall  be  re- 
vealed; and,  being  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
may  learn  to  love  and  bless  their  persecutors,  by 
thy  example,  O  blessed  Jesus,  on  the  cross,  who 
didst  there  pray  for  thy  murderers;  and  now 
standest  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  to  succour  all 
tliose  that  suffer  for  thee,  our  only  Mediator  and 
Advocate. 

Our  Father,  S^^c,     Grace,  7ncrni.  and pcacc^ 


MORNING.  205 

FOR  EASTER-SUNDAY. 
MORNING. 

O  MERCIFUL  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  lived  and  was  dead,  and  is  alive 
again,  we  rejoice  in  the  return  of  this  sacred  day, 
on  which  he  loosed  the  pains  of  death,  and  was 
raised  from  the  grave,  being  made  the  first-fruits 
of  them  that  slept. 

AVe  bless  thee,  that  he  was  delivered  for  our 
offei>ces,  and  raised  again  for  our  justification. 
For  he  is  the  very  Paschal  Lamb,  which  was 
offered  for  us,  and  hath  taken  away  the  sin  of  the 
world:  who,  by  his  death,  hath  destroyed  death, 
and  him  that  had  the  power  of  death ;  and,  by 
his  rising  to  life  again,  hath  restored  to  us  ever- 
lasting life. 

Blessed  be  thou,  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who,  of  thy  abundant  mercy, 
hath  begotten  us  again  to  a  lively  hope,  by  his 
resurrection  from  the  dead,  to  an  inheritance  in- 
corruptible, undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away, 
reserved  in  heaven  for  all  who  are  kept  by  thy 
power,  through  faith,  unto  salvation. 

We  confess  that  we  are  by  nature  dead  in 
trespasses  and  sins,  and  cannot,  by  our  own 
power,  raise  ourselves  to  newness  of  life. 

But  thou,  O  Christ,  art  the  Resurrection  and 
the  Life;  and  thou  hast  declared,  that  whosoever 
beheveth  in  thee  shall  live,  though  he  die;  and 
that  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  thee,  shall 
never  die.  We  meekly  beseech  thee,  therefore, 
to  r^isQ  us  front)  the  death  of  sin  unto  the  life  ojf 


'305  FOR  EASTER-SUNDAV. 

righteousness.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord,  thou 
tSon  of  David.  By  thy  glorious  resurrection, 
good  Lord,  deliver  us.  To  this  end  thou  didst 
both  die,  and  rise,  and  revive,  that  thou  mightest 
be  Lord  both  of  the  dead  and  of  the  living,  and 
tliat,  whether  we  wake  or  sleep,  we  might  live 
together  with  thee.  Perfect  in  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  by  thy  mighty  power,  the  glorious  work 
which  thou  hast  undertaken,  in  dying  for  our 
sins,  and  rising  again  for  our  justification. 

As  thou  hast  loosened  the  pains  of  death,  be- 
cause it  was  impossible  that  thou  shouldest  be 
holden  of  them ;  so  let  the  pitifulness  of  thy  great 
mercy  loose  us,  who  are  tied  and  bound  with  the 
chain  of  our  sins.  Grant  unto  us  that  perfect 
liberty  wherewith  thou  makest  thy  people  free. 
Do  thou  make  us  free,  and  we  shall  be  free  in- 
deed. May  we  know  thee,  and  the  power  of  thy 
resurrection;  and  so  put  away  the  leaven  of  ma- 
lice and  wickedness,  that  we  may  always  serve 
thee  in  pureness  of  living  and  truth. 

And  may  it  please  thee,  O  Lord  God,  the  God 
of  peace,  thyself,  who  didst  bring  from  the  dead 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  great  Shepherd  of  the 
sheep,  through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  cove- 
nant, to  make  us  perfect  in  every  good  work,  to 
do  thy  will,  working  in  us  that  which  is  well 
pleasing  in  thy  sight. 

Vouchsafe  thy  special  blessing  to  us  this  morn- 
ing. Put  into  our  minds  good  desires;  and  enable 
us  to  bring  the  same  to  good  effect. 

May  the  spirit  of  him  that  raised  up  Jesus 
from  the  dead  dwell  in  us,  and  quicken  us  in  ali 
the  duties  of  this  day.  Raise  our  llioughts  from 
the  things  of  this  world,  and  fix  them  upon  those 


MORNING.  20'7 

things  which  arc  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  at 
thy  right  hand.  Help  us  fervently  to  join  the 
prayers  and  praises  of  thy  people  in  the  courts 
of  thy  sanctuary. 

[And  since  Christ  our  Passover  has  been  sa- 
crificed for  us,  therefore  let  us  keep  the  feast. 
And  give  us  grace  so  to  eat  the  flesh  of  thy  dear 
Son,  and  to  drink  his  blood,  that  our  sinful  bodies 
may  be  made  clean  by  his  body,  and  our  souls 
washed  through  his  most  precious  blood,  and  that 
we  may  evermore  dwell  in  him,  and  he  in  us.] 

Grant,  also,  unto  those  who  shall  assemble  with 
us,  that  they  may  be  plenteously  endued  with  all 
heavenly  graces,  and  be  prepared,  with  meek 
heart  and  due  reverence,  to  hear  and  receive 
thy  holy  word,  [and  to  be  meet  partakers  of  thy 
holy  mysteries.] 

Pour  down  thy  spirit  from  on  high  on  the 
ministers  of  thy  blessed  Gospel:  and,  while  they 
preach  Jesus  and  the  resurrection,  let  thy  word, 
in  their  mouth,  be  as  life  from  the  dead ;  that  so 
they  who  are  sleeping  in  their  sins,  may  awake, 
and  arise  from  the  dead,  that  Christ  may  give 
them  life. 

And  grant  unto  all,  grace  to  consider  that  the 
hour  is  coming,  in  the  which  all  that  are  in  the 
graves  shall  hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  man, 
and  shall  come  forth;  they  that  have  done  good, 
to  the  resurrection  of  life,  and  they  that  have 
done  evil,  to  the  resurrection  of  damnation. 

Grant  these  our  requests,  for  the  love  of  thy 
only  Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Our  Father,  6^c.  Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 
S^c. 


20S  FOR  EASTEfe^DAY. 

FOR  EASTER-DAY. 
EVENING. 

Most  merciful  God  and  Father,  we,  thy  humble 
servants,  beseech  thee  to  receive  our  hearty 
thanks  for  thy  great  goodness  vouchsafed  unto  us. 

We  have  been  favoured  with  the  advantages 
of  another  day  of  sacred  rest.  We  have  been 
permitted  to  assemble  together  in  the  courts  of 
thy  house,  [and  around  thy  holy  table.]  We 
have  once  more  commemorated  thy  wonderful 
love  to  us,  and  to  all  mankind,  in  giving  thy 
Son  not  only  to  die  for  our  sins,  but  to  rise  again 
for  our  justification ;  that,  having  overcome  the 
sharpness  of  death,  he  might  open  the  kingdo^m 
of  heaven  to  all  believers. 

We  bless  thee  that  thou  hast  not  suffered  us  to 
follow  a  cunningly  devised  fable;  but  that  all 
things  which  before  thou  hadst  showed  by  the 
mouth  of  all  thy  prophets,  thou  hast  so  fulfilled. 
Our  hearts  rejoice,  and  our  tongue  is  glad;  be- 
cause thou  hast  not  left  his  soul  in  hell,  neither 
didst  thou  suffer  thy  Holy  One  to  see  corruption ; 
but  hast  declared  him  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with 
power,  by  his  resurrection  from  the  dead,  saying. 
This  is  my  beloved  Son;  to-day  have  I  begotten 
him. 

The  Lord  liveth,  and  blessed  be  our  strong 
Helper !  And  praised  be  the  God  of  our  salva- 
tion !  The  Lord  liveth;  and  is  alive  for  ever- 
more; and  hath  the  keys  of  hell  and  of  death. 

Our  souls  do  magnify  the  Lord,  and  our  spirit 
doth  rejoice  in  Christ  our  Saviour. 


EVENING.  209 

Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David !  Hosanna  to 
the  Prince  of  Peace  !  With  his  own  rigiit  hand, 
and  with  his  holy  arm,  he  hath  gotten  to  himself 
the  victory. 

By  his  glorious  resurrection,  good  Lord,  de- 
liver us.  Deliver  us,  and  take  away  our  sins, 
for  the  honour  of  thy  name.  Justify  us  freely  by 
thy  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in 
Christ  Jesus. 

And  grant,  that,  as  he  was  raised  from  the 
dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also 
may  walk  in  newness  of  life,  reckoning  ourselves 
to  be  dead  indeed  unto  sin,  but  alive  unto  God, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  May  we  follow 
his  example,  and  be  made  like  unto  him ;  and  as 
he  died  and  rose  again  for  us,  so  may  we,  who 
are  baptized  unto  his  death,  die  from  sin,  and 
rise  again  unto  righteousness,  continually  morti- 
fying all  our  evil  and  corrupt  affections,  and 
daily  proceeding  in  all  virtue  and  godliness  of 
living. 

Help  us  always  to  remember  that  our  Re- 
deemer liveth,  and  that  he  shall  stand  at  the 
latter  day  upon  the  earth ;  and  that,  though  after 
our  skins  worms  shall  destroy  this  body,  yet  in. 
our  flesh  we  shall  see  God :  whom  our  eyes  shall 
behold,  and  not  another. 

Grant,  that  whenever  this  vile  body  shall  be 
committed  to  the  ground,  earth  to  earth,  ashes 
to  ashes,  dust  to  dust,  it  may  be  in  sure  and 
certain  hope  of  a  joyful  resurrection  to  eternal 
life,  and  may  be  changed  like  unto  Christ's  glo- 
rious body,  according  to  the  mighty  working 
whereby  he  is  able  to  subdue  all  things  to  him- 
self. Thus  do  thou  ransom  us  from  the  power  of 
19 


2i(X  FOR  EASTER-DAY. 

the  grave:  redeem  us  from  the  second  deafli. 
Say  unto  death,  I  will  be  thy  plagues;  and  to 
the  grave,  I  will  be  thy  destruction:  that  so  we 
may  rise  from  the  dead,  to  die  no  more;  being 
thy  children,  O  God,  and  the  children  of  the  re- 
surrection. 

Hear  us,  O  God  of  mercy,  in  behalf  of  our 
fellow-creatures. 

Grant  that  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  may  arise' 
with  healing  in  his  wings  upon  all  nations  that 
are  sitting  in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death; 
and  dispose  them  to  come  to  the  light  of  his 
beams,  and  to  the  brightness  of  his  rising.. 

Have  mercy,  on  the  house  of  Israel;  and  let 
them  know  assuredly,  that  thou  hast  made  that 
same  Jesus,  whom  their  forefathers  crucified, 
both  Lord  and  Christ. 

May  those  who  are  living  in  sin  remember, 
that  thou  hast  appointed  a  day,  in  the  which  thou 
wilt  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  by  that 
man  whom  thou  hast  ordained;  whereof  thou 
hast  given  assurance  unto  all  men,  in  that  thou 
liast  raised  him  from  the  dead. 

Comfort  those  who  are  mourning  for  the  loss 
of  beloved  friends  and  relations,  departed  this 
life  in  thy  faith  and  fear.  Teach  them  to  sorrow 
not,  even  as  others  which  have  no  hope,  for  them 
that  sleep  in  thee;  believing,  that  if  Jesus  died 
and  rose  again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in 
Jesus  will  God  bring  with  him. 

Deliver  those,  likewise,  who,  through  fear  of 
death,  are  all  their  lifetime  subject  unto  bondage. 
And  take  away  from  thy  dying  servants  the  bit- 
terness thereof,  and  enable  them  to  say,  O  death, 
where  is  thy  sting  1  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory? 


MORNING.  5ill 

'Thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Hear  us,  O  Lord,  in  these  our  petitions  for 
ourselves  and  others,  for  the  sake  of  thy  beloved 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  in  whose  name  and  words  we 
further  call  upon  thee. 

Our  Father,  Sfc,  Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 
Sfc. 


FOR  ASCENSION-DAY, 

OR  THE   SUNDAY  AFTER. 

MORNING. 

Almighty  Father,  by  whose  power  we  hav« 
been  graciously  preserved  to  meet  together  this 
iiiorning,  we  draw  nigh  unto  thee,  in  the  name 
-of  Jesus  Christ,  our  Mediator  and  Redeemer; 
who,  having  purged  our  sins,  sat  down  on  the 
right  hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high. 

We  bless  thee,  O  Lord,  for  giving  him  not 
only  to  live  and  to  die  for  us,  and  to  rise  again ; 
but  chiefly,  at  this  time,  for  causing  him  to  ascend 
Aip  on  high,  leading  captivity  captive,  and  receiv- 
ing gifts  for  men,  yea,  even  for  the  rebellious 
also,  that  thou  mightest  dwell  among  them. 

We  glorify  thy  name,  for  exalting  him  at  thy 
own  right  hand  in  heavenly  places,  to  be  a  Prince 
and  a  Saviour,  to  give  repentance  and  forgive- 
ness of  sins. 

Having,  therefore,  such  a  High  Priest  as  be- 
came us,  who  is  holy,  harmless,  undellled,  sg- 
yparate  from  sinners,  and  made  higher  tlian  the 


212  FOR  ASCENSION-DAY. 

heavens;  one  who  is  touched  with  the  feeling  of 
our  infirmities,  and  was  in  all  points  tempted  like 
as  we  are,  j'^et  without  sin ;  we  are  encouraged  to 
come  boldly  to  the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may 
obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of 
need. 

By  his  glorious  ascension,  good  Lord,  de- 
liver us. 

We  have  indeed  most  grievously  sinned  against 
thee,  and  deserve  only  thy  wrath  and  indignation. 
15ut  we  have  an  Advocate  with  thee,  Jesus  Christ 
the  righteous;  whom  thou  hast  appointed  as  the 
propitiation  for  our  sins ;  and  who  is  able  to  save 
to  the  uttermost  all  that  come  unto  thee  by  him, 
seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for 
them. 

Hear,  we  beseech  thee,  the  voice  of  his  media- 
tion in  our  behalf;  and  when  thou  hearest,  have 
mercy.  May  our  sins,  though  many,  be  forgiven 
us,  through  the  riches  of  thy  grace;  and,  being 
justified  by  faith,  may  we  have  peace  with  thee, 
through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

For  his  sake,  also,  O  most  merciful  Father, 
enable  us  to  hate  and  mortify  those  sins  which 
we  humbly  implore  thee  no  more  to  remember 
against  us.  Create  and  make  in  us  new  and  con- 
trite hearts;  that  we,  worthily  lamenting  our  sins, 
and  acknowledging  our  wretchedness,  may  ob- 
tain of  thee,  the  God  of  all  mercy,  perfect  remis^ 
sion  and  forgiveness.  Let  our  repentance  be  unto 
salvation,  not  to  be  repented  of.  Give  unto  us 
that  faith  which  worketh  by  love,  purifieth  the 
soul,  overcometh  the  world,  establishelh  the  law, 
and  maketh  us  careful  to  maintain  good  works. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that 


MORNING.  5J13 

like  as  we  do  believe  tliy  only-begotten  Son  to 
have  ascended  into  the  heavens,  so  may  we  also, 
in  heart  and  life,  thither  ascend,  and  with  him 
continually  dwell;  that,  when  he  cometh  again, 
he  may  receive  us  unto  himself;  and  that  where 
he  is,  there  we  may  be  also. 

[Grant,  especially,  that  our  attendance  0n  thy 
worship  this  day  may  be  the  means  of  quickening 
us  in  the  way  of  thy  commandments,  and  of 
making  us  more  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  in- 
heritance of  thy  saints  in  light.] 

[And  may  our  souls  be  strengthened  and  re- 
freshed by  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ,  which 
we  may  spiritually  receive  around  thy  table.] 

Look  in  compassion  upon  all  mankind,  whom 
thy  beloved  Son  redeemed  with  his  most  precious 
blood. 

As  thou  hast  given  him  power  over  all  flesh, 
that  he  should  give  eternal  life  to  as  many  as 
thou  hast  given,  fulfil  thy  promise,  that  he  shall 
receive  from  thee  the  Heathen  for  his  inheritance, 
and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  his  pos- 
session. 

Have  mercy  on  those  from  whose  forefathers, 
as  concerning  the  flesh,  Christ  came.  Let  it  no 
more  be  said,  that  he  cometh  to  his  own,  and  his 
own  receive  him  not;  but  may  they  receive  him 
at  the  last,  as  the  Consolation  of  Israel,  the  De- 
sire of  all  nations,  the  Messiah  that  was  to  come 
into  the  world. 

Grant  that  such  as  have  hitherto  placed  their 
afl'ections  on  this  world,  may  hereafter  seek  those 
things  that  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  at  the 
right  hand  of  God. 

And  niav  all  who  have  set  themselves  against 
19* 


214  FOR  ASCExNSIO\-DAV, 

the  Lord,  and  against  his  Anointed,  kiss  the  Son, 
lest  he  be  angry,  and  they  perish  from  the  uay, 
when  his  wrath  is  kindled  but  a  little.  Blessed 
are  they  that  put  their  trust  in  him. 

Holy  Father,  keep,  through  thine  own  name, 
those  whom  thou  hast  given  him.  We  pray  not 
that  thou  shouldest  take  them  out  of  the  world, 
but  that  thou  shouldest  keep  them  from  the  evil 
of  it.  Grant  that  they  may  not  be  of  the  world, 
even  as  he  was  not  of  the  world.  Sanctify  them 
through  thy  trutli.  Thy  word  is  truth.  Neither 
pray  we  for  these  alone,  but  for  those  also  who 
shall  hereafter  believe  on  his  name ;  that  they  all 
may  be  one,  as  thou.  Father,  art  in  him,  and  he 
in  thee,  that  they  may  be  one,  even  as  ye  are  one. 

And  may  it  please  thee,  of  thy  gracious  good- 
ness, shortly  to  accomplish  the  number  of  thine 
(elect,  and  to  hasten  thy  kingdom;  that  we,  with 
all  those  who  have  departed  this  life  in  thy  faith 
and  fear,  may  have  our  perfect  consummation 
and  bliss  in  thy  eternal  and  everlasting  glory, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Father,  S^c.     Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 


FOR  ASCENSION-DAY. 

OB  THE  SUNDAY  AFTER. 

EVENING. 

O  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  into  whose  pre- 
sence we  have  boldness  to  enter,  through  the 
precious  blood  of  Christ,  by  that  new  and  living 


EVENING.  215 

way  which  is  consecrated  for  us  through  his  flesh ; 
and  having  a  High  l*riest  passed  into  the  heavens, 
even  Jesus,  thy  beloved  Son,  we  approach  thee 
in  his  great  and  glorious  name.  And  we  beseech 
thee  to  grant  that  we  may  draw  nigh  unto  thee 
with  a  true  heart,  in  full  assurance  of  faith. 

Accept  our  thanks,  O  Lord,  for  the  marvellous 
works  which  thou  hast  wrought  for  the  sinful 
children  of  men.  Glory  be  unto  thee,  O  Father 
of  mercies,  for  sending  thy  only-begotten  Son 
into  the  world,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him 
may  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.  Praised 
be  thy  name,  that  when  he  had  finished  the  work 
which  thou  hadst  given  him  to  do,  by  pouring  out 
his  soul  unto  death,  thou  didst  raise  him  from 
the  grave,  and  set  him  at  thy  own  right  hand  in 
heavenly  places,  far  above  all  principality,  and 
power,  and  might,  and  dominion,  and  every 
name  that  is  named,  not  only  in  this  world,  but 
in  that  whicli  is  to  come;  and  hast  put  all  things 
under  his  feet;  and  hast  given  him  to  be  the 
Head  over  all  things  to  the  Church,  which  is  his 
body,  the  fulness  of  him  that  filleth  all  in  all. 

We  rejoice  that,  as  at  this  time,  he  ascended 
to  his  Father,  and  to  our  Father;  to  his  God, 
and  to  our  God;  and  that,  as  our  Forerunner,  he 
is  gone  to  prepare  a  place  for  us. 

We  give  thanks  to  thee  for  the  gracious  pro^ 
mise,  that  none  shall  be  able  to  lay  any  thing  to 
the  charge  of  thine  elect,  whom  thou  thyself  hast 
pardoned  and  absolved:  and  that  none  shall  con- 
demn them,  because  it  is  Christ  that  died,  yea, 
rather  that  is  risen  again,  who  is  even  at  thy 
right  hand,  who  makelh  intercession  for  them. 

By  his  glorious  ascension  and  all-prevailing 


216  FOU  ASCENSION-DAY. 

intercession,  good  Lord,  deliver  us.  Receive  ns 
into  the  number  of  thy  faithful  and  elect  chil- 
dren; and  make  us  partakers  of  the  heritage  of 
thy  chosen.  We  pray  thee,  O  God,  who  art  rich 
in  mercy,  for  the  great  love  wherewith  thou  hast 
loved  us,  to  quicken  us  together  with  Christ,  who 
are  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins;  and  raise  us  up 
together,  and  make  us  sit  together  in  heavenly 
places  in  Christ  Jesus.  May  we  he  joined  to  the 
innumerable  company  of  angels,  to  the  general 
assembly  and  church  of  the  first-born  which  are 
written  in  heaven,  and  to  God  the  Judge  of  all, 
and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  and 
to  Jesus,  the  Mediator  of  the  new  covenant. 

As  thou  hast  exalted  him  with  great  triumph 
into  thy  kingdom  in  heaven,  v/o  beseech  thee, 
leave  us  not  comfortless,  but  send  to  us  thy  Holy 
Ghost  to  comfort  us:  and  exalt  us  unto  ihe  same 
place,  wliither  our  Saviour  Christ  is  gone  before; 
tliat  we  may  be  with  him  where  he  is,  and  may 
behold  his  glory,  which  thou  hiist  given  him. 

We  look  up  unto  thee,  our  only  Mediator  and 
Advocate,  who,  by  thy  blood,  hast  obtained  eter- 
nal redemption  for  us;  and  having  ofi'ered  one 
sacrifice  for  our  sins,  art  for  ever  set  down  at  the 
right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty,  angels, 
and  authorities,  and  powers  being  made  subject 
unto  thee. 

Remember  us,  O  Lord  Jesus,  now  that  thou 
art  entered  into  thy  kingdom. 

Thou,  who  art  exalted  to  be  a  Prince  and  a 
Saviour,  grant  unto  us  repentance  and  remission 
of  sins. 

Thou,  that  sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  God  the 
Father,  have  mercy  upon  us. 


EVENING.  217 

Thou,  who  ever  livest  to  make  intercession  for 
the  transgressors,  pray  for  us. 

Thou  who  hast  all  power  given  unto  thee  in 
heaven  and  in  earth,  stretch  forth  thy  right  hand 
to  help  and  defend  us. 

Look  down,  O  Lord,  not  only  upon  us,  but 
upon  all  others,  for  whom  thy  beloved  Son  died 
and  rose  again,  and  ascended,  and  ever  liveth  to 
make  intercession.  Send  them  help  from  thy 
holy  place,  and  evermore  mightily  defend  them. 

[May  every  attendance  on  thy  public  worship 
be  the  means  of  preparing  them  for  the  place  in 
the  heavenly  mansions,  which  Christ  their  Sa- 
viour hath  provided  for  them.] 

[As  often  as  they  eat  and  drink  around  his  table 
on  earth,  the  better  may  they  be  fitted  to  sit  down 
with  his  faithful  people  hereafter,  at  the  marriage- 
supper  of  the  Lamb.] 

And  may  we  and  they  be  daily  looking  forward 
to  the  time  when  he  shall  so  come,  in  like  manner 
as  he  ascended  up  into  heaven,  to  be  glorified  in 
his  saints,  and  to  be  admired  in  all  them  that 
believe. 

And  grant,  O  Lord,  that  we  may  all  find  mercy 
of  thee  in  that  day. 

We  ask  these  things  through  our  all-prevailing 
Mediator  and  Advocate,  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour. 

Our  Father^  Sfc.     Grace,  mercy,  and  peace ^ 


218  FOR  \VHIT-SUNDAY» 

FOR  WHIT-SUNDAY. 
MORNING. 

Almighy  God,  by  whose  good  providence  we 
are  brought  to  see  the  light  of  another  morning, 
mercifully  accept  our  thanks  for  this  thy  goodness 
towards  us. 

Thou  art  the  hope  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth ; 
and  upon  thee  the  eyes  of  all  do  wait  for  their 
portion  in  due  season.  Unto  thee,  therefore,  do 
we  hft  up  our  eyes,  O  thou  that  dwellest  in  the 
heavens. 

We  wait  now,  at  thy  footstool,  for  the  promise 
of  thy  Spirit,  wliich,  as  at  this  time,  thou  didst 
miraculously  pour  out  upon  the  sons  of  men,  en- 
duing them  with  divers  powers  from  on  high. 
And  we  praise  thee  for  the  gracious  assurance 
that  he  shall  remain  with  thy  people  always,  even 
to  the  end  of  the  world. 

Without  his  mighty  aid  we  can  do  nothing  that 
is  rightful.  We  know  not  what  to  pray  for  as 
we  ought,  unless  he  help  our  infirmities,  and  make 
intercession  for  us,  according  to  the  will  of  God. 
We  have  need  of  his  holy  inspiration,  to  think 
those  things  that  be  good;  and  of  his  merciful 
guiding,  to  enable  us  to  perform  the  same.  Grant, 
therefore,  we  beseech  thee,  that  he  may  con- 
tinually rest  upon  us,  as  a  Spirit  of  wisdom  and 
understanding;  a  Spirit  of  counsel  and  strength; 
a  Spirit  of  knowledge  and  true  godliness;  a  Spirit 
of  holy  fear  and  love;  a  Spirit  of  truth,  unity, 
and  concord;  a  Spirit  of  everlasting  consolation 
and  good  hope. 


MORNING.  211) 

Especially  vouchsafe  unto  us  such  a  measure 
of  his  grace  as  may  be  needful  for  the  due  ob- 
servance of  this  day.  May  he  guide  us  into  all 
truth.  May  he  open  our  understandings  to  un- 
derstand the  Scriptures,  and  our  hearts  to  receive 
them.  May  he  prepare  us  to  join  in  the  solemn 
services  of  thy  temple;  [and]  to  pour  out  before 
thee  the  voice  of  prayer  and  praise  in  the  congre- 
gation of  thy  people,  [and  to  partake  of  the 
mysteries  of  thy  table.] 

Let  not  our  past  abuse  of  thy  Sabbaths,  and  of 
thy  other  mercies,  provoke  thee  to  cast  us  away 
from  thy  prq^ence,  and  to  take  thy  holy  Spirit 
from  us.  But  rather,  do  thou  give  unto  us  true 
repentance,  and  a  greater  measure  of  strength 
from  above;  that  we  may  stir  up  the  gift  of  God 
that  is  in  us,  and  be  quickened  to  greater  diligence 
in  improving  the  means  of  grace  and  salvation. 

By  the  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  good  Lord, 
deliver  us. 

Grant  that  we,  being  regenerate,  and  new 
created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  all  good  works,  may 
be  made  more  meet  for  that  glorious  kingdom, 
into  which  thou  hast  declared.  That  none  can 
enter  who  are  not  born  again.  Seal  us,  we  pray 
thee,  with  that  holy  Spirit  of  promise,  which  is 
the  earnest  of  our  inheritance. 

And  may  the  blessed  hope  of  dwelling  with  thee 
be  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts.,  and  abound  through 
his  almighty  power.  Enable  us  daily  to  rejoice 
in  this  hope  of  thy  glory;  that  amidst  all  the 
trials  and  troubles  of  life,  it  may  be  to  us  the 
anchor  of  our  souls,  both  sure  and  steadfast. 

Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  hear  the  voice  of  our 
intercession  in  behalf  of  our  fellow-creatures.. 


'i:20  FOR  W1!IT-SUNDA¥. 

Pour  out  thy  Spirit  upon  all  flesh. 

Arise,  O  Lord,  in  the  greatness  of  thy  strength, 
and  awaken  to  a  life  of  righteousness,  those  who 
are  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins. 

Send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth  to  the  nations 
who  know  not  thy  name,  and  have  not  so  much 
as  heard  whether  there  be  any  Holy  Ghost. 

Have  mercy  on  thy  people  Israel,  and  fulfil  thy 
word  of  promise  towards  them.  A  new  heart 
do  thou  give  them  ;  and  a  new  spirit  put  within 
them;  and  take  away  the  stony  heart  out  of  their 
flesh,  and  give  them  a  heart  of  flesh.  And  put 
thy  Spirit  within  them,  and  cause  tjiem  to  walk 
in  thy  statutes;  and  to  keep  thy  judgments,  and 
to  do  them. 

Shed  abroad  all  spiritual  blessings  on  the 
churches  of  thy  saints.  May  they  be  edified  by 
the  truth,  as  it  is  in  Jesus;  and,  walking  in  thy 
fear,  and  in  the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  may 
they  be  multiplied  exceedingly. 

Be  especially  present  with  those  who  shall  meet 
together  in  thy  house  of  prayer. 

Bless  all  Christian  ministers.  Endue  them  with 
thy  holy  Spirit,  enrich  them  with  thy  heavenly 
grace ;  and  let  the  words  which  they  shall  speak 
this  day,  be  applied  to  the  hearts  of  men  in  the 
demonstration  of  the  same  Spirit,  and  of  power. 

May  he,  the  Spirit  of  all  truth,  convince  the 
faithless;  enlighten  the  blind;  instruct  the  igno- 
rant ;  direct  the  inquiring ;  strengthen  the  weak ; 
convert  the  wicked;  humble  the  proud;  sanctify 
the  faithful;  reclaim  the  backsliding;  comfort  the 
afl3icted ;  and  grant  unto  all,  the  diversity  of  his 
gracious  operations,  severally  as  they  stand  in 
need. 


EVENING.  221 

Hear  us,  O  God,  in  these  our  prayers  and 
supplications,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ ;  to 
whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  ascribed 
equal  adoration  and  praise,  now  and  evermore. 

Our  Father^  Sfc.  Gracc^  mercy,  and  peace ^ 
Sfc, 


FOR  WHIT-SUNDAY. 
EVENING. 

O  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
through  whom  we  have  access  b}^  one  Spirit  unto 
thee,  hear,  we  beseech  thee,  the  voice  of  our 
unfeigned  thanksgiving.  Glory  and  honour  be 
unto  thee,  O  Father  of  mercies,  for  all  the  benefits 
which  thou  hast  done  unto  us ;  and,  especially,  for 
the  spiritual  blessings  in  Christ  Jesus,  with  which 
we  are  favoured.  We  praise  thee  for  thy  holy 
word;  for  thy  appointed  ministers  ;  for  thy  house 
of  prayer;  [for  the  sacrament  of  the  body  and 
blood  of  our  Saviour  Christ;]  and  for  all  the 
means  of  grace  which  have  been  vouchsafed  unto 
us  this  day. 

We  praise  thee  for  the  unspeakable  gift  of  thy 
beloved  Son ;  for  his  wonderful  love  and  humiha- 
tion  ;  for  his  holy  incarnation  and  nativity;  for  his 
precious  death  and  burial ;  for  his  glorious  resur- 
rection and  ascension;  but,  chiefly,  for  the  coming 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which  he  shed  forth  abundantly, 
as  at  this  time,  according  to  his  word. 

We  praise  thee  for  saving  us  by  the  washing  of 
regeneration,  and  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

We  bless  thee  for  thy  promise,  that  if  we  ask, 
30 


'^'riZ  FOR  WlilT-SUNDAr. 

wc  shall  have ;  if  we  seek,  we  shall  find ;  if  we 
knock,  it  shall  be  opened  unto  us.  So  give  now 
therefore  unto  us  that  ask ;  let  us  that  seek,  find ; 
open  the  gate  unto  us  that  knock,  that  we  may 
enjoy  the  everlasting  benediction  of  thy  heavenly 
washing,  and  may  come  to  the  eternal  kingdom 
which  thou  hast  promised  by  Christ  our  Lord. 

By  the  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  good  Lord, 
deliver  us. 

We  acknowledge  him  as  the  Author  and  Giver 
of  spiritual  life  to  our  souls.  We  are  not  sufficient 
of  ourselves  to  think  any  thing  of  ourselves;  but 
all  our  sufficiency  is  of  him  ;  and  we  can  do  no- 
thing, except  it  be  given  us  from  above.  Look 
upon  us,  therefore,  who  are  b}^  nature  dead  in 
trespasses  and  sins.  Say  unto  us,  live;  and  thy 
word  shall  be  as  life  from  the  dead. 

Grant  that  all  carnal  afiections  may  die  in  us; 
and  that  all  things  belonging  to  the  Spirit  may 
live  and  grow  in  us.  Help  us  to  put  off,  concern- 
ing the  former  conversation,  the  old  man,  which  is 
corrupt,  according  to  the  deceitful  lusts;  and  to 
put  on  the  new  man,  which,  after  thy  image,  is 
created  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness.  Cleanse 
the  thoughts  of  our  hearts  by  th}'  holy  inspiration, 
and  make  them  a  habitation  for  thyself,  the 
temples  of  the  living  God:  and  let  us  not  defile 
them  by  taking  pleasure  in  unrighteousness.  By 
thy  special  grace  preventing  us,  put  into  our  minds 
good  desires,  and  by  thy  continual  help  enable  us 
to  bring  the  same  to  good  effect;  that  we,  who 
cannot  do  any  thing  that  is  good  without  thee, 
may  b}'  thee  be  enabled  to  live  according  to  thy 
will.  Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  as  thou  didst 
teach  the  hearts  of  thy  faithful  people  by  sending  to 


tVBMNG. 


32a 


them  the  light  of  thy  holy  Spirit,  so  we,  by  the  same 
Spirit,  may  have  a  right  judgment  in  all  things, 
and  may  evermore  rejoice  in  his  holy  comfort. 

Look,  O  Lord,  on  a  world  of  transgressors, 
who  are  enemies  to  thee  by  wicked  works. 

As  the  manifestation  of  the  Spirit  is  given  to 
every  man  to  profit  withal,  let  none  receive  his 
grace  in  vain. 

Have  compassion  on  those  who  deny  his  eternal 
power  and  Godhead :  and  show  unto  them,  who 
are  thus  in  error,  the  light  of  thy  truth,  and  cause 
them  to  return  into  the  way  of  righteousness. 

Be  merciful,  also,  unto  such  as  profess  to  be- 
lieve in  him,  yet  are  doing  despite  to  his  grace, 
and  are  strangers  to  his  sanctifying  power.  May 
they  see  that  they  only  are  thy  children  who  are 
led  by  thy  Spirit,  and  walk  in  the  way  of  righte- 
ousness. 

Strengthen  such  as  do  stand.  Let  them  not 
grieve  that  holy  Spirit  by  which  they  are  sealed 
unto  the  day  of  redemption ;  but  ever  obey  his 
godly  motions  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 
-Comfort  and  help  the  weak-hearted ;  raise  up 
them  that  fall;  and  finally  beat  down  Satan  under 
their  feet. 

Be  gracious  unto  those  whom  the  Holy  Ghost 
hath  made  overseers  to  feed  the  Church  which 
thou  liast  purchased  with  thy  blood,  and  may  they 
be  faithful  dispensers  of  thy  holy  word  and  sacra- 
ments; in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
-Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  to  whom  be  ascribed 
equal  glory,  praise,  and  adoration,  for  ever  and 
■ever.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  ^■'c.      Grace,  mercy,  and  peace ^ 


S24  TOR  TRINITY-SUNDAY. 

FOR  TRINITY-SUNDAY. 
MORNING. 

Holy,  holy,  hol}^  Lord  God  of  hosts,  unchange- 
able, eternal,  and  glorious,  most  mighty,  just  and 
true,  infinitely  wise  and  good,  who  art  here  and 
every  where  present,  and  knowest  all  things,  the 
blessed  and  only  Potentate,  who  only  hast  im- 
mortality, dwelling  in  the  light  which  no  man  can 
approach  unto,  whom  no  man  hath  seen  or  can 
see,  we  draw  nigh  unto  thee  with  reverence  and 
godly  fear. 

Thou  art  a  God  that  hidest  thyself;  and  we 
cannot  by  searching  find  thee  out. 

But  we  bless  thee  for  the  revelation  which  thou 
hast  been  pleased  to  make  of  thyself  to  us,  as 
One  God  in  Trinity,  and  Trinity  in  Unity. 

We  praise  thee,  O  God  the  Father,  for  thy 
wonderful  love  in  giving  thy  well-beloved  Son  to 
suffer  death  upon  the  cross  for  our  redemption. 
We  adore  thee,  the  Father  of  an  infinite  majesty. 

We  adore  thee,  O  God  the  Son,  the  only- 
begotten  of  the  Father,  the  brightness  of  his  glory, 
and  the  express  image  of  his  person,  in  whom 
dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodil3\ 
Thou  art  the  King  of  glory,  O  Christ.  Thou  art 
the  everlasting  Son  of  the  Father ;  the  Alpha  and 
Omega,  the  Beginning  and  the  Ending;  which 
wast,  and  which  art,  and  which  art  to  come,  the 
Almighty;  God  over  all,  blessed  for  evermore. 

Equal  to  the  Father,  as  touching  thy  Godhead; 
inferior  to  the  Father,,  as  touching  thy  manhood ; 
perfect  God  and   perfect  man,   we  praise  thee 


MORNING.  225 

br  the  great  love  wherewith  thou  hast  loved  us, 
n  leaving  the  glory  which  thou  hadst  with  the 
feather,  before  the  world  began;  and  for  us  men, 
md  for  our  salvation,  coming  down  from  heaven. 

We  adore  thee,  O  God,  the  Holy  Ghost,  pro- 
ceeding from  the  Father  and  the  Son,  the  Author 
and  Giver  of  life;  who,  with  the  Father  and  the 
Son  together,  art  worshipped  and  glorified ;  who 
lidst  speak  by  the  prophets.  We  bless  thee,  the 
Holy  Ghost,  the  Comforter;  the  eternal  Spirit  of 
wisdom  and  of  truth,  who  searchest  all  things, 
even  the  deep  things  of  God,  and  gii"iest«s  into 
dl  truth;  the  good  Spirit,  who  helpest  our  in- 
irmities  ;  tlie  Spirit  of  grace  and  supplications  ; 
vho  teachest  us  to  pray,  and  makest  intercession 
br  us  with  groanings  that  cannot  be  uttered ;  the 
Spirit  of  holiness,  who  sanctifiest  us,  and  all  the 
elect  people  of  God  ;  the  Spirit  of  glory,  of  whom, 
unless  we  are  regenerate  and  born  again,  we  can- 
not enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  the  holy 
Spirit  of  promise,  vv^ho  sealest  us  unto  the  day  of 
redemption. 

Glory  be  unto  thee,  O  Father;  unto  thee,  O 
Son  ;  and  unto  thee,  O  Holy  Ghost:  as  it  was  in 
the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall  be,  world 
without  end. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  hast  given 
unto  us,  thy  servants,  grace,  by  the  confession  of  a 
true  faith,  to  acknowledge  the  glory  of  the  eternal 
Trinity,  and  in  the  power  of  the  divine  Majesty 
to  worship  the  Unity;  we  beseech  thee  that  thou 
wouldst  keep  us  steadfast  in  this  faith.  Let  us 
not  be  as  children,  tossed  to  and  fro,  and  carried 
about  with  every  wind  of  doctrine  ;  but  may  we 
he  established  in  the  truth  of  tin-  holy  GospeL 


226  FOR  TIIINITV-SUNDAY, 

Dispose  us  this  day  to  worship  thee,  serve  thee, 
and  obey  thee,  as  we  ought  to  do ;  to  come  into 
thy  presence  with  thanksgiving,  and  into  thy 
courts  with  praise ;  to  be  thankful  unto  thee,  and 
to  speak  good  of  thy  name. 

[And  may  we,  and  all  who  shall  commemorate 
with  us  this  morning  the  sacrifice  which  was  made 
for  our  sins,  experience  abundantly  the  grace  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  love  of  God,  and  the 
communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost.] 

O  holy,  blessed,  and  glorious  Trinity,  who  art 
a  jealous  God,  and  wilt  not  give  thy  glory  to  an-^ 
other,  look  in  compassion  on  all  nations  who  know 
not  thee,  the  only  God,  and  are  bowing  down  to 
the  gods  many,  and  the  lords  many,  which  they 
have  made  unto  themselves.  Spread  abroad  thy 
Gospel,  and  scatter  the  darkness  from  the  face  of 
the  earth ;  and  let  the  true  light  now  shine.  Turn 
them  from  all  their  vanities  unto  thee,  the  living 
and  the  true  God ;  and  let  them  be  baptized  into 
the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost. 

Have  mercy  also  on  those  who  have  departed 
from  the  faith,  and  have  brought  into  thy  Church 
divers  heresies,  deceiving  and  being  deceived; 
especially  such  as  worship  not  One  God  in  Trinity, 
and  Trinity  in  Unity. 

Shed  thy  blessing  on  all  who  hold  the  Catholic 
faith ;  and  may  they  continue  to  keep  it  whole 
and  undefiled. 

Bless  the  Church  which  thou  hast  established 
in  this  land ;  and  preserve  it  from  all  false  doctrine, 
heresy,  and  schism.  May  it  remain  the  ground 
and  pillar  of  the  truth ;  and  evermore  be  defended 
from  every  blast  of  vain  doctrine  which  shall  rage 
against  it. 


EVENING.  2*27 

Clothe  all  its  ministers  with  righteousness ;  and 
give  them  grace  to  contend  earnestly  for  the  faith 
delivered  to  them. 

Now  unto  One  God,  the  Father,  of  whom  are 
all  things,  and  we  in  him;  and  unto  One  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  are  all  things,  and  we  in 
him;  and  unto  One  Spirit,  by  whom,  through 
Christ,  we  have  access  unto  the  Father;  even  unto 
the  holy,  blessed,  and  glorious  Trinity,  Three 
Persons  and  One  God,  be  ascribed  equal  and 
endless  praise,  now  and  for  evermore.     A7nen. 

Our  Pather,  6^c.      Grace,  meraj,  and  peace. 


FOR  TRINITY-SUNDAY. 
EVENING. 

O  God,  the  Father  of  heaven,  have  mercy  upon 
us,  miserable  sinners. 

We  acknowledge  and  bewail  our  manifold  sins 
and  wickedness,  which  we  have  most  grievously 
committed  against  thee.  We  have  ill  requited 
thee  for  thy  wonderful  love  to  us,  and  to  all  nian- 
kind,  in  giving  thy  Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ, 
to  take  upon  him  our  nature,  and  to  suffer  death 
upon  the  cross.  We  have  not  duly  obeyed  thy 
command  to  believe  on  his  name ;  but  have  re- 
sisted the  purposes  of  thy  grace  towards  us,  and 
abused  the  riches  of  thy  patience  and  forbearance. 
To  us  belong  shame  and  confusion  of  face ;  but  to 
thee,  the  Lord  our  God,  belong  mercies  and  for- 
givenesses, though  we  have  rebelled  against  thee: 


236  FOR  TRINITY- SUNDAY. 

tifitlier  have  we  obeyed  thy  voice,  to  walk  in  thy 
laws,  which  thou  hast  set  before  us.  Have  mercy 
upon  us,  have  mercy  upon  us,  O  heavenly  Father ; 
according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies 
blot  out  our  offences. 

O  God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world,  have 
mercy  upon  us,  miserable  sinners. 

Thou  hast  loved  us,  and  given  ihyself  for  us, 
and  redeemed  us  unto  God  by  thy  blood;  that  we 
might  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.  But 
we  have  too  much  abused  thy  love,  neglected  thy 
salvation,  and  trampled  under  foot  that  precious 
blood.  Forgive  us,  we  beseech  thee,  all  tbat  h 
past.  Though  sin  hath  abounded  in  us,  let  thy 
pardoning  grace  abound  much  more.  Bear  with 
us,  as  thou  didst  v/ith  thy  disciples,  in  the  daj's  of 
thy  sojourning  among  men.  Be  always  touched 
with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  and  remember 
whereof  we  are  made.  Pitifully  behold  the  sor- 
rows of  our  hearts;  and  mercifully  forgive  the  sins 
of  thy  people- 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  proceeding  from  the 
Father  and  the  Son,  have  mercy  upon  us,  miser- 
able sinners. 

Thou  hast  graciously  striven  with  us  from  day 
to  day ;  convincing  us  of  sin  ;  taking  of  the  things 
of  Christ  and  showing  them  unto  us ;  leading  us 
into  all  truth;  and  putting  into  our  minds  good 
desires,  and  enabling  us  to  bring  the  same  to  good 
effect.  But  we  have  greatly  resisted  thy  godly 
motions,  and  done  despite  to  thy  grace,  vexing 
thee  and  grieving  thee  by  our  evil  doings,  and 
provoking  thee  altogether  to  depart  from  us.  But, 
we  beseech  thee,  leave  us  not  to  ourselves.  Still 
take  up  thy  abode  in  our  hearts,  and  make  them 


EVENING.  229 

a  fitter  habitation  for  thyself.  And  so  cleanse  the 
very  thoughts  and  intents  thereof  by  thy  holy  in- 
spiration, that  we  may  both  think  those  things  that 
be  good,  and  also,  by  thy  merciful  guiding,  may 
hereafter  more  faithfully  perform  the  same. 

O  holy,  blessed,  and  glorious  Trinity,  Three 
Persons  and  One  God,  have  mercy  upon  us, 
miserable  sinners. 

Enter  not  into  judgment  with  us  for  the  sins 
and  infirmities  of  this  day.  Pardon  the  iniquity 
of  our  most  holy  things.  When  we  have  done 
all,  we  are  unprofitable  servants.  Our  goodness 
extendeth  not  to  thee.  Accept  us,  and  our  imper- 
fect services,  for  the  sake  of  him  who,  through 
the  eternal  Spirit,  offered  himself  without  spot 
for  our  sins ;  and  let  his  blood  purge  our  conscience 
from  dead  works  to  serve  thee,  the  living  God. 

May  the  advantages  afforded  us  from  Sabbath 
to  Sabbath  be  the  means  of  furthering  our  pro- 
gress in  the  ways  of  godliness. 

May  the  consideration  of  the  great  mystery  set 
before  us  this  day,  lead  us  more  entirely  to  live 
unto  the  Father,  who  created  us;  to  the  Son,  who 
redeemed  us ;  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  sane- 
tifieth  us. 

Enable  us  to  hold  fast  the  form  of  sound  words 
as  we  have  been  taught;  and  grant  that  we,  who 
know  thee  now  by  faith,  may  hereafter  enjoy  the 
everlasting  fruition  of  thy  glorious  Godhead. 

May  it  please  thee,  O  Lord,  to  have  mercy 
upon  all  men. 

May  it  please  thee  to  bring  into  the  way  of  truth 
all  such  as  have  erred  and  are  deceived;  particu- 
larly those  who  believe  not  the  record  which  thou 
hast  given  of  thyself  in  thy  holy  word,  and  are 


5^30  roR  TRixiTr-sUNDASr. 

worshipping  and  serving  gods  of  their  own  vaift 
imaginations,  denying  thee,  the  only  true  God. 
Teach  them,  that  if  they  would  be  saved,  before 
all  things  it  is  necessary  that  they  hold  the  Catholic 
faith;  and  worship  One  God  in  Trinity,  and 
Trinity  in  Unity.  May  they  be  brought  with  the 
heart  to  believe,  that  such  as  the  Father  is,  such 
is  the  Son,  and  such  is  the  Holy  Ghost;  that  in 
this  Trinity  none  is  afore  or  after  other,  none  is 
greater  or  less  than  another;  but  that  the  whole 
Three  Persons  are  co-eternal  together,  and  co- 
equal. 

We  pray  for  the  universal  Church,  baptized 
into  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost;  elect,  according  to  thy  fore- 
knowledge, through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit 
unto  obedience  and  sprinkling  of  the  blood  of 
Jesus. 

Bless  all  the  congregations  of  the  faithful  which 
have  been  gathered  together  in  thy  name  this  day, 
in  the  courts  of  thy  sanctuary. 

We  especially  beseech  thee,  O  thou  Giver  of 
all  good  gifts,  who,  of  thy  divine  providence,  hast 
appointed  divers  orders  in  thy  Church,  to  give 
thy  grace  and  heavenly  benediction  to  all  those 
who  have  been  called  to  any  office  and  adminis- 
tration in  the  same  :  and  so  replenish  them  with 
the  truth  of  thy  doctrine,  and  so  endue  them  with 
all  innocency  of  life,  that  they  may  faithfully 
serve  before  thee,  to  the  glory  of  thy  great  name, 
and  to  the  benefit  of  thy  people. 

And,  as  thou  hast  built  thy  Church  upon  the 
foundation  of  the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus 
Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner-stone,  grant 
us  so  to  b3  joined  together  in  unity  of  spirit  by 


MORNING.  '2^1 

ttieir  doctrine,  that  we  may  be  made  a  holy 
temple,  acceptable  unto  thee ;  and  may  serve 
thee  in  all  godly  quietness  all  the  days  of  our  life ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord;  to  whom,  with 
the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  ascribed  equal 
praise  and  adoration,  world  without  end. 

Our  leather,  6fc.     Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 
Sfc, 


FOR  A  SACRAMENT  SUNDAY. 
MORNING. 

O  HOLY  and  gracious  Lord  God,  who  wilt  by  no 
means  clear  the  guilty,  yet  sparest  those  who 
confess  their  sins  unto  thee,  look  down  with 
compassion  upon  us,  thy  servants,  who  are  now 
humbled  before  thee,  imploring  thy  fatherly  for- 
giveness. Spare  us,  good  Lord,  spare  us,  for  we 
are  miserable  sinners.  AVe  cannot  set  all  our 
transgressions  in  order  before  thee,  nor  confess 
them  so  truly  as  we  ought  to  do;  yet  we  desire 
not  to  cloak  and  dissemble  them  before  thy  face, 
O  heavenly  Father,  trusting  to  thy  word,  that  if 
we  confess  our  sins,  thou  art  faithful  and  just  to 
forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all 
unrighteousness.  Be  merciful  unto  us,  we  most 
humbly  beseech  thee;  for  we  put  our  whole  trust 
and  confidence  in  thy  mercy,  and  not  in  any 
thing  that  we  do.  We  have  destroyed  ourselves ; 
but  in  thee  is  our  help.  Save,^Lord,  or  we  perish; 
for  there  is  salvation  in  no  other.  To  whom  else 
should  we  go  X  Thou  only  hast  the  words  of 
eternal  life.    Grant  unto  us,  O  Lord,  we  beseech 


23:2  FOR  A  SACRAMENT  SUNDAY. 

thee,  pardon  and  peace;  that  we  may  be  cleansed 
from  all  our  sins,  and  may  serve  thee  with  a  quiet 
mind. 

We  praise  thee,  O  God,  for  the  multitude  of 
thy  blessings  vouchsafed  unto  us,  particularly  for 
the  many  opportunities  which  thou  affordest  us 
of  becoming  wise  unto  salvation. 

What  shall  we  render  unto  thee  this  day,  for 
all  the  benefits  which  thou  hast  done  unto  us  ? 
We  will  receive  the  cup  of  salvation,  and  call 
upon  the  name  of  the  Lord.  We  will  pay  our 
vows  in  the  courts  of  thy  house,  and  in  the  pre- 
sence of  all  thy  people. 

We  give  thee  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks, 
O  Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  for  that 
thou  hast  given  thy  Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  not  only  to  die  for  us,  but  to  be  our  spi- 
ritual food  and  sustenance  in  the  holy  sacrament 
of  his  body  and  blood.  Dispose  us  religiously 
and  devoutly  to  receive  the  same,  in  remem- 
brance of  his  meritorious  cross  and  passion ; 
whereby  alone  we  obtain  the  remission  of  our 
sins,  and  are  made  partakers  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  Teach  us  to  consider  the  dignity  of  that 
holy  mystery,  and  so  to  search  and  examine  our 
own  consciences,  (and  that  not  lightly,  and  after 
the  manner  of  dissemblers  with  thee,  but  so,) 
that  we  may  come  holy  and  clean  to  such  a  hea- 
venly feast,  in  the  marriage-garment  required  by 
thee  in  holy  Scripture,  and  may  be  received  as 
worthy  partakers  of  that  holy  table. 

May  we  spiritually  eat  the  flesh  of  Christ,  and 
drink  his  blood  !  May  we  dwell  in  Christ,  and 
Christ  in  us !  May  we  be  one  with  Christ,  and 
Christ  with  us !     And  may  his  body,  which  was 


MORNING.  233 

given  for  us,  and  his  precious  blood,  which  was 
shed  upon  tlie  cross,  preserve  our  bodies  and 
souls  unto  everlasting  life  ! 

Mercifully  vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  to  extend  unto 
all  our  fellow-creatures  the  inestimable  benefits 
of  Christ's  cross  and  passion. 

Give  grace,  O  heavenly  Father,  to  all  thy  mi- 
nistering servants,  that  they  may,  both  by  their 
life  and  doctrine,  set  forth  thy  true  and  lively 
word,  and  rightly  and  duly  administer  thy  holy 
sacraments.  And  to  all  thy  people  give  thy  hea- 
venly grace;  especially  to  such  as  shall  assemble 
with  us  in  thy  holy  temple,  and  shall  mind  to 
come  to  the  holy  communion  of  the  body  and 
blood  of  our  Saviour  Christ.  Blay  they  dili- 
gently try  and  examine  themsel^t€s,  before  they 
presume  to  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that 
cup,  and  so  judge  themselves,  that  they  be  not 
judged  of  thee.  May  they  examine  themselves, 
whether  they  repent  them  truly  of  their  former 
sins,  steadfastly  purpose  to  lead  a  new  life,  have 
a  lively  faith  in  thy  mercies  through  Christ,  with 
a  thankful  remembrance  of  his  death,  and  be  in 
charity  with  all  men.  And  may  numbers  be  added 
to  thy  Church  continually,  of  those  who  are  will- 
ing to  join  themselves  unto  thee  in  an  everlasting 
covenant,  not  to  be  forgotten. 

Pitifully  behold  the  sorrows  of  those  who  are 
filled  with  groundless  fears,  lest  they  should  eat 
and  drink  unworthily.  May  they  hear  and  re- 
ceive the  comfortable  things  which  Christ  our 
Saviour  saith  unto  all  who  truly  turn  unto  him. 
May  they  come  unto  him  labouring  and  heavy 
laden  with  the  burden  of  their  sins,  and  so  find 
rest  unto  their  souls. 

21 


234       FOR  A  SACRAMENT  SUNDAY. 

Finally,  we  beseech  thee  to  have  compassion 
upon  those  who  shall  most  unthankfuUy  refuse  to 
come  to  thy  table,  though  so  graciously  called 
and  bidden.  May  they  take  heed,  lest,  by  with- 
drawing themselves  from  this  hol}'^  supper  of  their 
Lord,  they  provoke  his  just  indignation  against 
them.  May  they  earnestly  consider  how  little 
their  excuses  will  avail  before  thee,  and  by  thy 
grace  be  brought  to  a  better  mind ;  seriously  re- 
membering, that  if  they  eat  not  the  flesh  of  the 
Son  of  man,  and  drink  not  his  blood,  they  have 
no  life  in  them,  and  neither  part  nor  lot  in  his 
salvation. 

Grant  this,  O  God  of  mercy,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.  Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 
Sfc, 


FOR  A  SACRAMENT  SUNDAY. 

EVENING, 

Almighty  God  and  Father,  who,  according  to 
the  multitude  of  thy  mercies,  dost  so  put  away 
the  sins  of  those  who  truly  repent,  that  thou  re- 
memberest  them  no  more,  open  thine  eye  of 
mercy  upon  us,  thy  servants,  who  earnestly  desire 
thy  pardon  and  forgiveness.  Renew  in  us,  O 
heavenly  Father,  whatever  hath  been  decayed 
by  the  fraud  and  malice  of  the  devil,  and  by  our 
own  carnal  will  and  frailty.  And  for  as  much  as 
we  put  our  full  trust  and  confidence  in  thee,  im- 
pute not  unto  us  our  manifold  transgressions,  but 


tVENING-  235 

wash  them  away  in  the  blood  of  thy  beloved  Son. 
Graciously  vouchsafe  to  receive  us  to  thy  favour. 
Sanctify  us  and  strengthen  us  by  thy  holy  Spirit; 
and  at  length  bring  us  unto  the  kingdom  of  hea- 
ven, and  to  everlasting  life. 

We  praise  thee  for  thy  promises  of  forgiveness 
to  those  who  truly  turn  unto  thee. 

We  bless  thee  for  another  day  of  sacred  rest 
which  tliou  hast  vouchsafed  unto  us,  and  for  all 
the  blessings  of  the  same. 

Above  all  things,  we  give  thee  most  humble 
and  hearty  thanks  for  the  redemption  of  the  world 
by  the  death  and  passion  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.  May  we  always  remember  the  ex- 
ceeding great  love  of  our  Master  and  only  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  thus  dying  for  us,  and  the  innumer- 
able benefits  which,  by  his  precious  blood-shed- 
ding, he  hath  obtained  unto  us,  and  also  his 
goodness  and  loving-kindness  in  instituting  and 
ordaining  holy  mysteries  as  pledges  of  his  love, 
to  our  great  and  endless  comfort. 

Grant  that  we,  who  have  eaten  and  drunk  in 
thy  presence,  may  receive  the  strengthening  and 
refreshing  of  our  souls  b}^  the  body  and  blood  of 
Christ.  Help  us  to  remember  the  solemn  vows 
which  we  have  this  day  renewed  in  thy  presence, 
and  in  the  presence  of  all  thy  people;  and  enable 
us  truly  to  perform  them.  May  we  go  forth  into 
the  world  bearing  about  us  the  marks  of  a  cruci- 
fied Saviour.  Having  enlisted  ourselves  again 
under  the  banners  of  the  Captain  of  our  salva- 
tion, may  we  manfully  fight  the  good  fight  of 
faith,  and  continue  his  faithful  soldiers  and  ser- 
vants unto  our  lives'  end.  Grant  that  we  may 
have  power  and  strength  to  have  victory,  and  to 


236       FOR  A  SACRAMENT  SUNDAY. 

triumph  against  the  devil,  and  the  world,  and  the 
flesh.  May  we  be  encouraged  in  our  holy  war- 
fare by  the  ensamples  of  the  glorious  company  of 
the  apostles,  the  goodly  fellowship  of  the  prophets, 
the  noble  army  of  martyrs,  and  of  all  the  holy 
Church  triumphant,  who  have  been  made  more 
than  conquerors  through  him  who  loved  them, 
and  bought  them  with  his  blood. 

As  thou  hast  knit  together  thine  elect  in  one 
communion  and  fellowship,  in  the  mystical  body 
of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord ;  grant  us 
grace  so  to  follow  thy  blessed  saints  in  all  virtu- 
ous and  godly  living,  that  we  may  enter  into 
those  unspeakable  joys  which  thou  hast  prepared 
for  them  that  unfeignedly  love  thee.  And  when 
he  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his  saints,  and  to 
be  admired  in  all  them  that  believe,  may  we  sit 
down  with  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  all 
thy  redeemed  people,  at  the  marriage-supper  of 
the  Lamb. 

Grant  also,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  that 
those  who  have  waited  on  thee  this  day  in  thy 
holy  temple,  and  around  thy  table,  may  renew 
their  spiritual  strength. 

May  all  men  see  that  they  are  thy  disciples,  by 
the  love  which  they  have  one  to  another.  6 
God,  who  hast  taught  us  that  all  our  doings  with- 
out charity  are  nothing  worth,  send  thy  Holy 
Ghost,  and  pour  into  our  hearts  that  most  excel- 
lent gift  of  charity,  the  very  bond  of  peace  and 
of  all  virtues,  without  which  whosoever  liveth  is 
counted  dead  before  thee.  Let  there  be  no 
schism  in  the  body  of  Christ;  but  let  the  mem- 
bers have  the  same  care  one  of  another,  know- 
ing,  that  if  any  sin  against  their  brother,  and 


EVENING.  -O/ 

wound   his  weak  conscience,   they  sin  against 
Christ. 

And  since  the  oflence  of  the  cross  is  not  ceased, 
comfort  and  succour  all  those  who  may  any  ways 
suffer  from  love  to  thee  and  thy  cause.  Hide 
them  under  thy  wing,  from  the  gathering  together 
of  the  froward,and  from  the  insurrection  of  evil- 
doers. Enable  them  to  witness  a  good  confession, 
and  to  give  no  just  occasion  to  their  enemies  to 
blaspheme.  By  well  doing  let  them  put  to  si- 
lence the  ignorance  of  foolish  men,  in  meekness 
instructing  those  that  oppose  themselves,  if  per- 
adventure  thou  mayest  give  them  repentance  to 
the  acknowledging  of  the  truth. 

Convert  the  hearts  of  all  those  who  are  thrust- 
ing away  from  them  thy  great  mercies;  especially 
of  such  as  have  this  day  neglected  thy  ordinances, 
and  turned  aside  from  thy  holy  table. 

And,  if  any  have  there  appeared  before  thee 
with  unclean  hands  and  unsanctified  hearts,  with- 
out the  marriage-garment  required  by  thee  in  holy 
Scripture,  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body,  may 
they  search  and  examine  their  conscience,  and 
repent  them  of  their  hypocrisy;  lest,  after  the 
taking  of  this  holy  sacrament,  Satan  enter  into 
them  as  he  entered  into  Judas,  and  fill  them  full 
of  all  iniquity,  and  bring  them  to  destruction  both 
of  body  and  of  soul. 

We  ask  these  blessings  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ,  our  only  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.     Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 

ifC. 


21* 


238  FOR  A  FAST-DAY. 

FOR  A  FAST-DAY. 
MORNING. 

O  God,  who  hast  commanded  us  to  submit  to 
every  ordinance  of  man  for  thy  sake,  give  us 
grace  to  humble  ourselves  before  thee,  for  the 
sins  whereby  we  have  justly  provoked  thee  to 
bring  down  thy  sore  judgments  upon  us,  and  to 
afflict  us  with  the  scourge  of  war.  We  acknow- 
ledge and  bewail  our  manifold  and  great  offences. 
We  are  indeed  a  sinful  nation,  a  people  laden 
with  iniquity,  a  seed  of  evil-doers,  children  that 
are  corrupters,  a  rebellious  and  perverse  genera- 
tion, that  set  not  their  heart  aright,  and  whose 
spirit  cleaveth  not  steadfastly  unto  thee.  Thou 
hast  nourished  and  brought  us  up  like  ciiildren, 
and  we  have  rebelled  agains:  thee.  "^Ye  have 
experienced  thy  goodness,  but  have  not  been  led 
to  repentance.  We  have  seen  thy  judgments 
abroad  in  the  earth,  but  have  not  learned  righte- 
ousness. Above  all,  we  have  neglected  thy  great 
salvation,  and  have  set  at  nought  thy  tender 
mercies  in  Christ  Jesus. 

O  Lord  God,  unto  us  belong  sham.e  and  con- 
fusion of  face,  because  we  have  sinned  against 
thee;  neither  have  we  obeyed  thy  voice  to  walk 
in  thy  laws,  which  thou  hast  set  before  us.  But 
to  thee  belong  mercy  and  forgiveness.  For  thou 
art  a  merciful  God,  full  of  compassion,  long  suf- 
fering, and  of  great  pity;  who  wouldest  not  the 
death  of  sinners,  but  hadst  rather  that  they  turn 
from  their  sins,  and  be  saved.  Many  a  time  have 
we  provoked  thee  to  anger;  but  thou  hast  not 


MORNING.  239 

suffered  thy  whole  displeasure  to  arise.  Be  gra- 
cious unto  us,  therefore,  even  as  thou  art  wont. 
Spare  us,  O  Lord,  though,  for  our  evil  deeds,  we 
do  worthily  deserve  to  be  punished.  Spare  us, 
God  Lord,  spare  thy  people;  and  let  not  thy 
heritage  be  brought  to  confusion.  In  the  midst 
of  judgments  still  remember  mercy.  Have  mercy 
upon  us,  have  mercy  upon  us,  most  merciful 
Father:  for  thy  Son  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ's 
sake,  forgive  us  all*  that  is  past;  and  grant  that 
we  may  ever  hereafter  serve  and  please  thee  in 
newness  of  life,  to  the  honour  and  glory  of  thy 
name. 

Pour  down  upon  all  orders  of  men  the  abun- 
dant influences  of  thy  holy  Spirit. 

We  beseech  thee  to  save  and  defend  thy  ser- 
vant the  President  of  the  United  States;  that, 
under  him,  we  may  be  godly  and  quietly  go- 
verned. And  grant  unto  the  great  council  of  the 
nation,  at  this  time  assembled,  and  to  all  that  are 
put  in  authority  under  them,  that  they  may  truly 
and  impartially  minister  justice,  to  the  punish- 
ment of  wickedness  and  vice,  and  to  the  mainte- 
nance of  thy  true  religion  and  virtue.  Give 
grace,  O  Lord,  to  all  the  ministers  of  thy  Gospel, 
that  they  may,  both  by  their  life  and  doctrine, 
set  forth  thy  true  and  lively  word^  May  they 
especially  this  day  lift  up  their  voice  in  thy  name. 
Let  them  cry  aloud,  and  spare  not;  but  show  thy 
people  their  transgressions.  And  to  all  thy  people 
give  thy  heavenly  grace,  especially  unto  such  as 
shall  humble  themselves  before  thee  this  day. 
And  grant  unto  the  Avhole  nation,  a  spirit  of  re- 
pentance and  reformation.  Make  us  to  return 
every  man  from  his  evil  way,  and  to  amend  every 


240  FOR  A  FAST-DAY. 

man  his  doings,  that  we  may  become  a  people 
fearing  thee,  and  working  righteousness. 

And,  while  we  truly  repent  us  of  our  sins,  may 
it  please  thee  to  repent  of  the  evil  which  thou 
mayest  have  pronounced  against  us.  Turn  away 
from  us  the  dreadful  scourge  wherewith  thou  hast 
justly  visited  us. 

O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  to  whom  victory  belong- 
eth,  thou  God,  to  whom  victory  belongeth,  stir  up 
th3'self,  and  come  among  us,  and  with  great  might 
succour  us.  Let  thy  mighty  arm,  and  the  right 
hand  of  thy  majesty,  be  stretched  forth  to  help 
and  defend  us;  for  vain  is  the  help  of  man,  and 
weak  is  the  arm  of  flesh. 

Bless  all  who  are  actively  engaged  in  our  de- 
fence, both  by  sea  and  land.  May  they  do  violence 
to  no  man,  and  be  content  with  their  wages.  In- 
spire them  wit]]  valour  and  patience;  and  enable 
them  to  show  forth  in  their  lives  the  united  duties 
and  graces  of  Christian  soldiers. 

O  God,  who  hast  commanded  us  to  love  our 
enemies,  and  to  pray  for  them  that  despitefully 
use  us,  and  persecute  us,  have  mercy  upon  our 
adversaries  in  this  present  v.ar.  Deliver  them 
from  blood-guiltiness,  O  God ;  and  give  unto  them 
the  spirit  of  unity  and  godly  love.  Subdue  those 
lusts  and  evil  passions  from  which  wars  and  fight- 
ings do  come;  and  let  all  mutual  offences,  and 
hatred,  and  ill  will,  be  removed;  and  grant  that, 
being  reconciled  to  thee  and  to  each  other,  the 
nations  of  the  earth  may  strive  together  only  for 
the  faith  of  the  Gospel.  And  do  thou,  the  Lord 
of  peace,  give  them  peace  abvays  by  all  means. 
Finally,  we  beseech  thee  to  grant,  that,  so  long 
as  we  hear  of  wars  and  rumours  of  wars,  and 


JKVENING.  241 

distress  of  nations,  with  perplexity,  thou  wouldst 
cause  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  thee.  Over- 
rule all  changes  in  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth  to 
the  glory  of  thy  name,  and  the  success  of  thy 
Gospel,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord;  to  whom, 
with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  equal  honour, 
adoration,  and  praise,  now  and  evermore. 

Our  Father y  Sfc,     Grace^  mercy ^  and  peace ^ 
Spc, 


FOR  A  FAST-DAY. 
EVENING. 

O  Almighty  God,  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of 
lords,  the  blessed  and  only  Potentate,  who  dost 
what  thou  wilt  in  the  armies  of  heaven,  and 
among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  putting  down 
one  and  setting  up  another,  and  to  whom  none 
may  say.  What  doest  thou  1  we  acknowledge  the 
justness  of  those  visitations  under  which  we  have 
been  called  upon  to  humble  ourselves  before  thee 
this  day,  and  to  turn  unto  thee  in  weeping,  in 
fasting,  and  in  prayer. 

Thou  hast  uphfted  thy  arm  in  anger,  and, 
because  of  our  iniquities,  thou  art  wrathfully  dis- 
pleased at  us. 

We  desire  again,  O  Lord,  as  a  family,  to  bow 
down  before  thee,  and  to  confess  the  many  and 
great  offences  whereby  we  have  each  contributed 
to  increase  the  number  of  those  national  offences 
for  which  thou  hast  entered  into  judgment  with 
us.  In  many  things  we  have  all  offended  thee ; 
in  pride,  in  impenitence,  in  hardness  of  heart,  in 


f342  FOR  A  FAST-DAY. 

contempt  of  tliy  word  and  the  means  of  grace,  in 
forgetfulness  of  thee,  and  disobedience  to  the 
commands  of  thy  dear  Son. 

But  though  we  have  thus  sinned  against  thee, 
yet  we  desire  to  fall  into  thy  hands,  for  thy  mer- 
cies are  great;  and  let  us  not  fall  into  the  hands 
of  men.  Though  thou  hast  been  angry  with  us, 
let  thy  anger  be  turned  away,  and  suffer  not  thy 
whole  displeasure  to  arise.  Comfort  us  again 
now  for  the  time  wherein  thou  hast  plagued  us, 
and  for  [the  days]  [years]  wherein  we  have  suf- 
fered adversity.  Remove  from  us  the  judgments 
which  we  feel,  or  fear:  and  so  sanctify  to  us  the 
dispensations  of  thy  providence,  that  we  may 
profit  by  our  present  sufferings,  and  receive  them 
as  the  wise  corrections  of  thy  fatherly  hand,  which 
chasteneth  all  whom  thou  lovest,  and  scourgeth 
all  whom  thou  receivest.  So  search  and  try  us, 
tiiat  we  may  all  learn  by  thy  godly  discipline  to 
examine  our  ways,  and  to  turn  to  thee  by  a  lively 
repentance.  Suffer  us  not  to  return  to  our  for- 
mer sinfulness  and  disobedience;  nor  again  to 
yield  to  those  evil  passions  and  desires  which 
have  brought  down  thy  just  judgments  upon  us: 
but  save  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation;  save  us, 
not  only  from  our  worldly,  but  also  from  our 
spiritual  enemies;  and  more  especially,  save  us 
from  ourselves.  And  grant,  that,  in  every  dis- 
pensation of  thy  providence,  whether  of  prospe- 
rity or  adversity,  we  may  ever  lift  up  our  hearts 
above  this  lower  world  to  thy  heavenly  kingdom; 
where  pain,  and  sorrow,  and  war,  and  hatred, 
shall  be  no  more,  and  where  alone  true  joys  are 
to  be  found. 

Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  hear  the  prayers  which 


EVENINU'.  243 

have  this  day  been  offered  up  by  thy  assembled 
people;  and  let  them  come  up  as  a  memorial 
before  thee.  And,  as  thou  wouldest  have  spared 
the  cities  of  old,  if  ten  righteous  could  have  been 
found  in  them,  so  may  it  please  thee  to  regard 
thy  faithful  servants  who  have  this  day  stood  in 
the  breach,  and  made  intercession  for  these  na- 
tions. For  their  sakes,  and  for  thy  mercy's  sake, 
spare  us;  and  let  not  the  righteous  perish  with 
the  wicked. 

Be  favourable,  O  Lord,  unto  those  who  are 
jeoparding  their  lives  for  us  in  (he  high  places  of 
the  field,  and  in  the  waters  of  the  great  deep. 
Teach  their  hands  to  war,  and  their  fingers  to 
fight.  Give  them  for  a  helmet  the  hope  of  salva- 
tion, and  holiness  for  an  invincible  shield. 

Arise,  O  Lord,  and  let  our  enemies  be  scat- 
tered: let  them  also  that  hate  us,  flee  before  us. 
Send  from  heaven,  and  save  us  from  the  rebuke 
of  them  that  would  swallow  us  up.  Hide  us  under 
the  shadow  of  thy  wing,  until  this  tyranny  be 
overpast. 

O  Lord,  be  gracious  unto  our  land.  Increase 
among  us  that  righteousness  which  exalteth  a  na- 
tion; and  save  us  from  sin,  which  is  the  reproach 
of  any  people. 

So  dispose  and  govern  the  heart  of  thy  servant 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  that,  in  all 
his  thoughts,  words,  and  works,  he  may  ever  seek 
thy  honour  and  glory,  and  study  to  preserve  thy 
people  committed  to  his  charge,  in  wealth,  peace, 
and  godliness. 

Bless  all  who  are  in  authority  under  him.  In- 
struct his  counsellors ;  and  teach  his  senators 
wisdom.     Prosper  all  their  consultations  to  the 


244  FOR  A  THANKSGIVING-DAY,  &C. 

advancement  of  thy  glory,  the  good  of  thy  Church, 
the  safety,  honour,  and  welfare  of  our  country. 

Remember  with  thy  favour  all  who  are  under 
authority;  and  teach  them  to  be  subject  not  only 
for  wrath,  but  also  for  conscience'  sake. 

Put  away  from  us  all  murmurings  and  discon- 
tent; all  revilings  and  evil-speakings  towards  the 
rulers  of  thy  people ;  and  teach  us  to  bear  with 
their  infirmities,  and  to  remember  that  they  are 
but  men. 

Forgive  tlie  sins  of  those  among  us  who  have 
not  joined  in  the  public  humiliation  of  this  day. 

May  those  also  who  may  have  regarded  this 
day,  but  not  unto  thee,  be  brought  to  see  that  the 
form  of  godliness,  without  the  power  thereof,  is 
in  thy  sight  nothing  worth. 

Finally,  we  beseech  thee  to  have  mercy  upon 
our  enemies,  and  to  turn  their  hearts:  and  let 
wars  and  fightings  for  ever  cease. 

These  blessings,  for  ourselves,  for  our  country, 
and  for  our  enemies,  we  humbly  beg  in  the  name 
and  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Our  Father^  S^c,  Grace,  inercy,  and  peace, 
S^c, 


FOR  A  THANKSGIVING-DAY, 

ON  ACCOUNT  OF  A  NATIONAL  VICTORY. 

MORNING  OR  EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  in  all  ages  made  known 
thy  power  and  mercy  in  the  gracious  deliverance 
and  protection  of  kings  and  states  professing  thy 


MORNING  OR  EVENINO.  245 

holy  and  eternal  truth,  and  liast  visited  us  of  old, 
and  beyond  other,  nations,  with  many  temporal 
and  spiritual  blessings,  we  yield  unto  thee  our 
unfeigned  thanks  and  praise,  as  well  for  thy  many 
other  great  and  public  mercies,  so  especially  for 
that  signal  and  wonderful  deliverance  which  has 
been  lately  wrought  out  for  us.  Thou  hast  dona 
marvellous  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad. 
We  praise  thee ;  we  bless  thee ;  we  magnify  thee: 
for  thou  hast  triumphed  gloriously.  Thou  art 
become  our  strength  and  our  song,  and  the  bora 
of  our  salvation.  With  th}'  own  right  hand,  and 
with  thy  mighty  arm,  thou  hast  gotten  to  thyself 
the  victory.  In  the  greatness  of  thy  excellency 
thou  hast  overthrown  those  that  rose  up  against 
us,  and  would  have  swallowed  us  up  quick,  so 
wrathfully  were  they  displeased  at  us.  Thine, 
O  Lord,  is  the  greatness,  and  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  and  the  majesty,  and  the  victor^^  Thine 
is  the  kingdom,  and  thou  art  exalted  as  head  over 
all.  Thou  doest  what  thou  wilt  in  the  armies  of 
heaven,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth; 
and  none  may  stay  thy  hand,  or  say.  What  doest 
thou  1  O  Lord  of  hosts  and  God  of  battles,  who 
is  like  unto  thee,  glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in 
praises,  doing  wonders?  Go  on,  we  pray  thee, 
to  show  thyself  strong  in  our  behalf;  for  there  is 
none  other  tliat  fighteth  for  us,  but  only  thou,  O 
God:  and  let  all  the  world  know  that  thou  art  our 
Saviour,  and  our  Almighty  Deliverer.  Still  plead 
our  cause  with  them  that  strive  with  us ;  and  fight 
thou  against  them  that  fight  against  us.  Lay  hand 
upon  the  shield  and  buckler,  and  stand  up  to  help 
us.  Bring  forth  the  spear;  and  stop  the  way 
against  them   that   persecute  us.     Let  them  be 


246  FOR  A  TIIAXKSGIVING-DAY,  &C. 

confounded  and  put  to  shame  that  seek  after  our 
destruction.  Let  them  be  turned  backward  and 
put  to  confusion,  as  many  as  wish  us  evil.  Be 
thou  on  our  side,  and  we  will  not  fear  what  man 
can  do  unto  us.  Though  a  host  of  enemies  en- 
camp around  us,  yet  shall  not  our  hearts  be  afraid  j 
and  though  there  rise  up  war  against  us,  yet  will 
we  put  our  trust  in  thee. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  to  pour  down  upon 
the  inhabitants  of  this  land  the  spirit  of  unfeigned 
gratitude  and  love  for  all  thy  mercies  towards  us. 
May  they  come  this  day  into  thy  gates  with 
thanksgiving,  and  into  thy  courts  with  praise. 
Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God;  let  all  the 
people  pi-aise  thee.  Let  them  praise  thy  great 
and  glorious  name;  for  thy  name  only  is  excel- 
lent, and  thy  praise  above  heaven  and  e  art 
Let  thy  saints  give  thanks  unto  thee,  even  thy 
children,  even  the  people  that  serveth  thee. 

And  grant  that  they  may  show  forth  thy  praise, 
not  only  with  their  lips,  but  in  their  lives.  Pre- 
serve them  from  the  unholy  rejoicing  of  the  sen- 
sual and  the  profane;  lest  they  draw  down  upon 
us  a  curse,  and  not  a  blessing;  and  lest  the  things 
that  should  have  been  for  our  good,  prove  unta 
us  an  occasion  of  falling.  Let  not  the  tabret,  and 
the  viol,  and  the  harp,  be  in  our  feasts,  while  we 
regard  not  the  work  of  the  Lord,  nor  consider 
the  operation  of  his  hands.  But  grant  us,  O 
Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  to  use  thy  blessings  as 
we  ought,  with  devout  gratitude  to  thee  our  God,, 
with  zeal  for  thy  glory,  and  submission  to  thy 
will,  and  a  faithful  adherence  to  the  Gospel  of 
thy  Son ;  with  obedience  to  our  rulers,  for  con- 
science' sake,  as  thy  ministers  for  good;  witb 


MORNING  OR  EVENING.  247 

iiioderation  and  humility;  with  justice  and  purity; 
with  charity,  and  forbearance,  and  brotherly  love; 
that,  amidst  these  and  all  thy  blessings,  we  may 
seek  thy  glory  and  the  increase  of  thy  kingdom. 

And  may  the  victory  which  thou  hast  vouch- 
safed unto  us,  prepare  the  way  for  the  restoration 
of  peace  to  this  nation.  Scatter  the  nations  that 
delight  in  blood.  Pardon  our  enemies,  and  turn 
their  hearts;  and  teach  them  to  learn  war  no 
more.  Abate  their  pride,  assuage  their  malice, 
and  confound  their  devices.  Strengthen  the  hands 
of  our  rulers,  and  further  them  with  thy  most 
gracious  favour ;  that  we,  being  armed  with  thy 
defence,  may  be  preserved  evermore  from  all 
perils  to  glorify  thee,  who  art  the  only  Giver  of 
all  victory. 

We  desire,  also,  O  Lord,  not  only  to  rejoice 
with  those  that  do  rejoice,  but  to  weep  with  those 
that  weep.  Be  merciful  unto  such  as  are  mourn- 
ing, and  refuse  to  be  comforted,  for  the  sufferings 
or  death  of  those  by  whose  blood  this  victory  has 
been  achieved.  In  the  multitude  of  the  sorrows 
which  they  have  in  their  hearts,  let  thy  comforts 
refresh  their  souls. 

May  it  please  thee,  finally,  to  have  mercy  upon 
all  prisoners  and  captives.  Let  their  sorrowful 
sighings  come  up  before  thee:  and  give  them 
grace  to  feel  the  heavier  chain  of  sin,  by  which 
they  are  tied  and  bound;  that  so  the  bondage  of 
their  bodies  may,  through  thy  blessing,  be  the 
means  of  leading  to  the  deliverance  of  their  souls, 
through  Jl'sus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Our  Faihci\  &fc.  Grace,  mercy,  and  peace ^ 
'Sec. 


248  FOR  A  TIIANKSGIVING-DAY,  &C. 

FOR  A  THANKSGIVING-DAY 

FOR  PEACE. 

MORNING  OR  EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  Creator  of  the  universe,  the 
Maker  and  Disposer  of  the  hearts  of  men,  and 
sovereign  Lord  of  all,  we  bless  thy  holy  name  for 
the  innumerable  benefits  which,  from  time  to 
time,  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us;  and  especially 
for  thy  late  mercies  vouchsafed  unto  us,  in  grant- 
ing us  the  blessing  of  peace.  We  would  raise  a 
memorial  of  thy  abundant  kindness,  and  tell  out 
thy  works  with  gladness. 

We  acknowledge,  O  Lord,  that  no  righteous- 
ness of  our  own  hath  merited  this  blessing;  nei- 
ther hath  our  own  strength  or  foresight  procured 
it.  For  we  are  a  people  laden  with  iniquity; 
and  it  is  of  thy  mercy  that  we  have  not  been 
altogether  consumed.  Thou  hast  not  dealt  with 
us  according  to  our  sins,  nor  rew^arded  us  accord- 
ing to  our  iniquities.  But  as  the  heavens  are 
higher  than  the  earth,  so  great  has  been  thy  mercy 
towards  us.  Thy  right  hand  and  thy  stretched- 
out  arm  have  helped  and  delivered  us,  and  con- 
founded all  them  that  are  enemies  to  peace. 

It  is  thou,  the  God  of  peace,  who  makest  wars 
to  cease  In  all  the  earth;  who  breakest  the  bow, 
and  knappest  the  spear  in  sunder,  and  burnest 
the  chariots  in  the  fire ;  who  stillest  the  raglngs 
of  the  sea,  and  the  noise  of  his  waves,  and  the 
madness  of  the  people ;  who  sayest  unto  the 
storm,  "Peace,  be  still;"  and  there  is  a  great 


MORNING  OR  EVENING.  249 

<Q\m.  Thou  hast  made  us  glad  through  thy  works ; 
and  we  rejoice  in  giving  thanks  for  the  operation 
of  thy  hands.  Thou  hast  granted  us  our  hearts' 
desire;  and  hast  not  denied  us  the  request  of  our 
lips. 

Unto  thee,  O  Lord,  do  we  give  thanks;  yea, 
unto  thee  do  we  give  thanks.  Not  unto  us,  O 
Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name  be  all  the 
praise.  To  thee  be  ascribed  all  honour  and  glory, 
with  humble  and  hearty  thanks,  in  all  churches 
of  the  saints.  Even  so,  blessed  be  thou,  O  Lord 
God,  who  alone  doest  marvellous  things;  and 
blessed  be  the  name  of  thy  glorious  Majesty, 
which  is  exalted  above  all  blessing  and  praise. 

Complete,  we  pray  thee,  this  work  of  mercy 
and  kindness  towards  us.  May  the  fruit  of  righ- 
teousness be  sown  in  peace.  And  as,  in  the 
beginning,  the  Spirit  of  God  moved  on  the  face 
of  the  waters,  causing  light  to  shine  out  of  dark- 
ness, and  order  from  confusion,  grant  that  by  the 
same  Spirit  the  world  may  now  be  effectually  deli- 
vered from  the  night  of  crimes  and  misery  where- 
with it  hath  been  [long]  surrounded. 

May  the  nations  of  the  earth  learn  to  fear  thee, 
and  work  righteousness.  May  they  beat  their 
swords  into  plough-shares,  and  their  spears  into 
pruning-hooks«  Let  nation  not  lift  up  sword 
against  nation;  neither  let  them  learn  war  any 
more.  Grant  that  the  v/eapons  of  their  warfare 
may  no  longer  be  carnal,  but  spiritual,  to  the 
pulling  down  of  the  strong  holds  of  sin  and  Satan. 
Let  them  strive  only  for  the  faith  of  the  Gospel, 
and  for  the  establishment  of  the  empire  of  the 
Prince  of  Peace ;  provoking  one  another  to  love, 
and  to  good  works.  Let  them  not  hurt,  or  de- 
"12^ 


250  FOR  A  TllAMiSGlVlNG-DAY,  6CC. 

stroy,  in  all  thy  holy  mountain;  but  let  the  earth 
be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  thy  glory,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea.  Bring  to  pass  the  saying 
that  is  written :  The  kingdoms  of  this  world  are 
become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his 
Christ,  and  he  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

He  gracious,  O  Lord,  unto  our  land.  As  it 
hath  pleased  thee,  of  thy  great  mercy,  to  say 
unto  the  destroying  sword,  "It  is  enough;"  so 
may  it  please  thee  also  to  grant,  that  we  may  not, 
by  turning  again  unto  our  sins,  provoke  thee  to 
lift  it  up  any  more  against  us.  Give  peace  in  our 
time,  O  Lord.  Cleanse  us  from  all  our  sins,  for 
v»hich  thou  hast  visited  us  in  times  past;  that  we 
may  no  more  hear  of  wars  and  rumours  of  wars. 
Turn  our  hearts  unto  thee,  as  the  heart  of  one 
man.  Preserve  us  from  national  pride,  and  from 
ail  the  snares  of  national  prosperity ;  lest,  when 
wc  are  full,  we  deny  thee,  and  say.  Who  is  the 
Lord  1  and  forget  that  it  is  thy  hand  which  hath 
mercifully  delivered  us  from  all  our  dangers  and 
adversities.  In  all  time  of  our  weahh,  as  well  as 
in  all  time  of  our  tribulation,  good  Lord,  deliver 
us.  Grant  that  w^e  may  be  a  nation  blessed  of 
thee;  a  people  whom  thou  wilt  choose  for  thy 
own  inheritance. 

Regard,  we  beseech  thee,  with  thy  special 
favour,  the  Church  to  w^hich  we  belong.  Protect 
and  defend  it  from  all  evils,  whether  from  with- 
out or  from  within. 

Pour  down  thy  blessing  upon  all  ministers  of 
religion.  Teach  them  to  be  examples  of  holiness 
to  those  who  are  under  their  charge;  to  comfort 
the  distressed;  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted; 
to  lead  back  to  thy  fold  all  those  that  are  gone 


MOnNINQ  OR  EVENING.  251 

istray,  and  that  are  in  error.  Unite  all  our  hearts 
n  earnest  desires  to  build  up  the  walls  of  Jerusa- 
em,  and  to  promote  the  kingdom  of  thy  dear 
Son.  Let  all  bitterness,  and  clamour,  and  evil- 
speaking  be  put  away  from  us,  with  all  malice. 
Give  us  the  spirit  of  peace,  of  purity,  and  of  zeal 
for  thy  blessed  Gospel ;  that  we  may  be  followers 
of  thee,  our  God,  as  dear  children,  and  abide  in 
love,  as  Christ  also  hath  loved  us. 

Finally,  give  us  all  grace  to  walk  in  the  ways 
of  our  holy  profession,  that  thou  mayest  delight 
to  dwell  among  us,  and  to  do  us  good ;  and  that 
all  our  temporal  and  spiritual  blessings  with  which 
thou  hast  favoured  us,  even  from  of  old,  and  be- 
yond all  other  nations,  may,  through  thy  provi- 
dence and  mighty  protection,  be  continued  to  us 
and  posterity  for  ever  and  ever.  Grant  this,  O 
Lord,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  our  only  Mediator 
and  Advocate.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  Sfc.     Grace^mercy,  and  peace. 


UNDER  FAMILY  AFFLICTION. 
MORNING  OR  EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  mercies  and  the 
God  of  all  consolation,  our  only  help  in  time  of 
n«ed,  we  flee  unto  thee  for  succour  in  this  season 
of  tribulation  and  distress.  Out  of  the  deeps  we 
call  unto  thee,  O  Lord.  Lord,  hear  our  voice. 
O  let  thine  ears  consider  well  the  voice  of  our 
complaint. 

We  acknowledge,  O  God,  that  for  our  iniquities 


*253  UNDER  FAMILY  AFFLICTION. 

we  are  visited,  and  for  our  sins  are  we  troubled. 
We  are  born  to  trouble  as  the  sparks  fly  upward, 
because  we  have  been  transgressors  from  the 
womb.  And  if  thou  shouldst  be  extreme  to  mark 
what  we  have  done  amiss,  our  present  sorrows 
would  only  be  the  beginning  of  sorrows  which 
should  know  no  end.  Wherefore  should  a  living 
man  complain  1  a  man  for  the  punishment  of  his 
sins  1 

But  thou  art  gracious  and  merciful ;  full  of 
compassion  and  of  great  goodness.  Thou  hast 
not  dealt  with  us  according  to  our  sins;  nor  re- 
warded us  according  to  our  iniquities.  Blessed 
be  thy  name^  that  thou  not  only  hast  opened  unto 
us  a  way  of  escape  from  the  wrath  to  come,  but 
hast  mercifully  ordained  the  sufferings  of  the  pre- 
sent life  to  work  together  for  good  to  them  that 
love  thee. 

Thy  wise  providence  ord^reth  all  things  both 
in  heaven  and  earth.  Not  a  sparrow  falleth  to 
the  ground  without  thy  knowledge  and  appoint- 
ment; and  the  very  hairs  of  our  head  are  aU 
numbered.  Thou  assurest  us,  that  thou  dost  not 
willingly  ajfflict  or  grieve  the  children  of  men,  but 
for  their  profit,  that  they  may  be  partaker  of  thy 
holiness.  Whom  thou  lovest^  thou  chastenest; 
and  scourgest  every  son  whom  thou  receivest. 

Thou  afflictest  us  to  humble  us,  and  to  prove 
us,  and  to  know  what  is  in  our  hearts;  and  whe- 
ther we  will  love  thee,  and  keep  thy  command- 
iiients,  or  no. 

Give  us  grace  therefore  to  consider,  in  this  day 
of  our  adversity,  wherefore  thou  contendest  with 
lis,  and  art  wroth.  Let  us  not  despise  thy  chasten- 
ing, nor  faint  when  we  are  rebuked  of  thee ;  nor 


MORNING  OR  EVENING.  253 

he  weary  of  tliy  correction.  But  let  us  be  st^I, 
and  know  that  thou  art  God.  In  patience  enable 
us  to  possess  our  souls.  Grant  that  our  tribulation 
may  work  patience;  and  patience  experience; 
and  experience  hope;  and  our  hope,  let  it  not 
make  ashamed ;  but  let  thy  love  be  shed  abroad 
in  our  hearts,  through  the  Holy  Ghost  given  unto 
us.  Let  us  not  cast  away  our  confidence,  whicli 
hath  great  recompense  of  reward.  Though  troub- 
led on  every  side,  let  us  not  be  distressed;  though 
perplexed,  let  us  not  be  in  despair;  though  cast 
down,  let  us  not  be  destroyed.  And  be  pleased 
to  cause  our  light  afflictions,  which  are  but  for  a 
moment,  to  work  out  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory;  while  we  look  not  at 
the  things  that  are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which 
are  not  seen :  for  the  things  which  are  seen,  are 
temporal;  but  the  things  which  are  not  seen,  are 
eternal.  Though  no  chastening  for  the  present 
seemeth  to  be  joyous,  but  grievous;  yet  after- 
wards let  it  yield  the  peaceable  fruit  of  righte- 
ousness unto  us  who  are  now  exercised  thereby. 
Grant  that  we  may  find  it  good  to  be  afflicted, 
and  see  that  thou,  of  very  faithfulness,  hast  caused 
us  to  be  in  trouble.  And  whenever  it  may  please 
thee  to  deliver  us  out  of  the  miseries  of  this  sinful 
world,  of  thy  gracious  goodness  receive  us  into 
that  blessed  kingdom,  where  thou  shalt  wipe  away 
all  tears  from  our  eyes;  where  there  shall  be  no 
more  death,  neither  sorrow  nor  crying,  neither 
shall  there  be  any  more  pain;  for  the  former 
things  are  passed  away. 

We  beseech  thee,  also,  O  Lord,  to  have  com- 
passion on  our  brethren  and  companions  in  tribu- 
lation. 


254  UNDER  FAMILY  AFFLICTION. 

Have  mercy  upon  all  sick  persons;  and  make 
all  their  bed  in  their  sickness.  Eternal  God,  be 
thou  their  refuge,  and  place  underneath  them  thy 
everlasting  arms.  Look  graciously  upon  them, 
O  Lord;  and  the  more,  the  outward  man  decay- 
eth,  strengthen  them,  we  beseech  thee,  so  much 
the  more  continually,  by  thy  grace  and  holy 
♦Spirit,  in  the  inward  man.  Give  them  unfeigned 
repentance  for  all  the  sins  of  their  past  lives,  and 
steadfast  faith  in  thy  Son  Jesus;  that  their  sins 
may  be  done  away  by  thy  mercy,  and  their  par- 
don sealed  in  heaven,  before  they  go  hence,  and 
are  no  more  seen. 

We  commend  into  thy  hands,  as  into  the  hands 
of  a  faithful  Creator  and  most  merciful  Saviour, 
the  souls  of  those  who  are  departing  this  life; 
most  humbly  beseeching  thee,  that  they  may  be 
precious  in  thy  sight.  Wash  them,  we  pray 
thee,  in  the  blood  of  that  spotless  Lamb  which 
was  slain  to  take  away  the  sins  of  the  world; 
that  whatsoever  defilements  they  may  have  con- 
tracted in  the  midst  of  this  miserable  and  wicked 
world,  through  the  lusts  of  the  flesh  or  the  wiles 
of  Satan,  being  purged  and  done  away,  they 
may  be  presented  pure  and  without  spot  before 
thee. 

Be  gracious  also  unto  thy  people  who  are 
weeping,  and  refuse  to  be  comforted,  for  the  loss 
of  beloved  friends  and  relations,  departed  this 
life  in  thy  faith  and  fear.  Let  them  not  be  sorry, 
as  men  without  hope,  for  those  that  sleep  in  thee: 
but  comfort  them  with  the  joyful  expectation, 
that  they  shall  see  each  other  again  at  the  resur- 
rection in  the  last  day. 

May  it  please  thee,  likewise,  to  defend  and 


MORNINQ  OR  ETENINCf.  134X> 

provitio  for  the  fatherless  children  and  widows, 
and  all  that  are  desolate  and  oppressed. 

And,  since  many  are  the  afflictions  of  the 
righteous,  Lord,  remember  them,  and  all  their 
troubles.  Regard  those  who  are  in  heaviness 
through  manifold  temptations.  Graciously  hear 
us,  that  those  evils  which  the  craft  and  subtilty 
of  the  devil  or  man  worketh  against  them  be 
brought  to  nought,  and  by  the  providence  of  thy 
goodness  they  may  be  dispersed;  that  they,  thy 
servants,  being  hurt  b}'^  no  persecutions,  may 
evermore  give  thanks  unto  thee,  and  glorify  thy 
name. 

Finally,  we  commend  to  thy  fatherly  goodness 
all  those  who  are  any  ways  afflicted  or  distressed 
in  mind,  body,  or  estate.  That  it  may  please 
thee  to  comfort  and  relieve  them,  according  to 
their  several  necessities;  giving  them  patience 
under  their  sufferings^  and  a  happy  issue  out  of 
all  their  afflictions. 

[Hear  us,  especially,  in  behalf  of  thy  servant, 
for  whom  we  desire  especially  to  pray.  We  look 
up  unto  thee,  O  thou  compassionate  Saviour,  who 
wast  thyself  a  man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted 
with  grief.  O  thou,  who  didst  weep  at  the  tomb 
of  Lazarus,  and  art  still  touched  with  the  feeling 
of  our  infirmities,  pitifully  behold  the  sorrows  of 
our  hearts,  and  graciously  look  upon  our  afflic- 
tions. O  thou,  who,  of  old,  didst  cure  all  manner 
of  sickness,  and  all  manner  of  disease  among  the 
people,  be  gracious  unto  us.  Let  not  this  sick- 
ness be  unto  death;  but  for  the  glory  of  thy 
name.  Speak  the  word  only,  and  thy  servant 
shall  be  healed.  Have  mercy  upon  Aim,  O  Lord, 
have  mercy  upon  him;  and  not  on  him  only,  but 


•^56  UNDER  FAMILY  AFFLICTION. 

on  US  also,  lest  we  should  have  sorrow  upon  sor- 
row. If  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass  away 
from  us,  without  our  drinking  all  its  bitterness ; 
but,  if  not,  thy  will  be  done.  Only  be  pleased  to 
sanctify  this  thy  fatherly  correction  to  Aim,  that 
the  sense  of  his  weakness  may  add  strength  to 
his  faith,  and  efficacy  to  his  repentance:  that,  if 
it  should  be  tiiy  good  pleasure  to  restore  him  to 
his  former  health,  he  may  lead  the  residue  of  his 
life  in  thy  fear  and  to  thy  glory ;  or  else  give  him 
grace  so  to  take  thy  visitation,  that  after  this 
painful  life  ended,  he  may  dwell  with  thee  in  life 
everlasting.] 

And  this  we  beg  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 

Our  Father,  ^c.     Grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 

SfC. 


THE  END, 


III" 

1  1( 

D1 

Theological  Semmary-Speer 


2  01023  6653 


